Fight pair get the needle but are feeling sharp

They tipped the scales at yesterday's weigh in at the Princes Quay in Hull before Matchroom's fight night at the city's Ice Arena tonight,

It's a Sky Sports showdown for both West Midlands fighters, who dare not lose but make no secret of the fact they don't rate their opponents, either.

Walsall's Gethin, the former British lightweight champion, will be right back in the title picture if he can defeat Tommy Coyle at the top of the bill.

The two were due to meet in 2013 when Gethin had the crown, before the then-reigning 'Quiet Man' landed a final eliminator for the IBF world crown.

He was that confident Coyle would pose no real threat then he was willing to put up his belt for a voluntary defence and he hasn't changed his opinion since.

'Over-hyped' is his opinion and he's confident as such that he will step into his adversary's back yard. A big statement that he's back to his best, rather than a belt, is his prize.

The full 12 rounds will still decide the victor if needed in a non-title affair this weekend on Gethin's return to the division, after a bout up at light welter.

He said: "Tommy's come on in recent years but he's got a reputation that, for me, exceeds his ability. He got knocked down four times against Daniel Brizuela.

"He did well to come back and win that one, but it seems like he's easy enough to tag. He has chinks in his armour that I'll be looking to exploit.

"I'll pressure him, but I will do it in the right way. He's a good boxer and I respect him, but I think I have what it takes to beat him.

"He's a little over-hyped, in my opinion, and I want to prove that he's not the real deal. It's a good fight for both of us.

"Whoever wins, it's a decent name to have on your slate. This is a big one for me. I need to show people that I'm still a force at this level.

"What better way to do that than live on Sky? It's a great chance for me. It's never the end, but a loss would take some getting back from. I

"Tommy is in front of me and I'm confident of causing what many would see as an upset. I don't see it that way.

"I've got a good record and have been in with some good fighters. I like him as a guy, but I'm coming to his neck of the woods and I plan on leaving with the win."

There's also no room for error for Stourbridge's Eggington, the Midlands welterweight titlist, as he looks to rip the WBC International strap from holder Shayne Singleton.

'The Savage' could go for the Commonwealth belt at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Saturday May 9, again live on Sky Sports, if he can unseat the yet-to-be-beaten Singleton.

Those plans would be in ruins if he were to become the 21st victim of 'the Pain' but Eggington, like Gethin, isn't feeling the pressure. 'You don't scare me' seems to be the message.

'Sam the Man' has been critical about Singleton since watching him beat old sparring partner Curtis Woodhouse for the English title in 2013.

"Good at running away" was the 21-year-old's opinion of that performance and the man British and Commonwealth champion Frankie Gavin called "as game as any" plans to track him down.

There's needle between them, too, after Singleton's quips that he's flat footed and fades. There will be spite, as well as meat, in their punches tonight as a result.

Eggington said: "I thought I was going to beat Singleton before and I still think I am going to beat him now. This is a massive fight for me.

"He has a title that can open doors for me if I can take it off him. He's unbeaten, but I am very confident that I'll take his belt.

"It's great to have the two fights mapped out for me and I want to put on a great show and really impress the fans.

"I have to put in a great performance in and that is all I am focused on right now, beating him and doing it in style."