Sam Eggington, the former forklift driver turned boxing world champion, is set to face Abbas Baraou tonight in a bid to win the European light middleweight title. Eggington, born in Birmingham, has never shied away from a fight, evidenced by his impressive 34-8 record. His journey from the warehouse floor to the boxing ring is truly remarkable.
A Forklift Driver’s Passion for Boxing
In a revealing interview with The Daily Mail, Eggington shared that he initially took up boxing as a way to make some extra money while working as a forklift driver in a factory. With rumors of potential redundancy looming, he saw an opportunity in becoming a “journeyman” boxer. These fighters box every week, getting paid regardless of the outcome. Eggington saw this as his chance and asked his friend Craig Cunningham, who was turning professional, to give his manager a call. And that’s when it all began.
From Journeyman to Champion
What started as a side gig soon became Eggington’s passion. As sponsors started to take notice, he began investing more time and effort into training, which boosted his confidence. Winning the Midlands Area title was a turning point, and with the continued support of sponsors, he set his sights on becoming a champion rather than just a journeyman. His coach’s advice and sparring sessions with talented fighters reinforced his belief in his potential.
Career Highlights
Eggington’s career quickly gained momentum, and he found himself facing formidable opponents like former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi and Frankie Gavin. Two years ago, he secured the IBO super-welterweight belt. His entertaining fighting style earned him back-to-back fight of the year titles in 2020 and 2021 for his thrilling matches against Ted Cheeseman and Bilel Jkitou. Although he narrowly lost to Cheeseman on points, he emerged victorious in a closely contested battle against Jkitou.
Focusing on the Present
When asked about his upcoming title fight with Baraou, Eggington remains focused on his own preparation rather than dwelling on his opponent’s accomplishments. He trusts his team to analyze and strategize accordingly. Whether it turns into a fire-fight or a tactical boxing match, Eggington is ready for anything.
The Perception of Retirement
Despite being just 30 years old, Eggington’s extensive fighting experience has led to speculation about his retirement. However, he is determined to defy these expectations. He believes he is in his prime and is irritated by suggestions of stepping away from the sport. Eggington wants people to see him as someone who is still here, still fighting, just as he was at 25.
For more on Sam Eggington’s inspiring journey and his incredible boxing career, visit F5mag.com.