Argentinian for Sam on Excelsior title bill

Getting ready for another battle. Eggington and manager Jon Pegg

SAM Eggington, a fighter who seems to have been with us forever yet is only 31, tomorrow (Thursday) marks time while waiting for another attempt to conquer the world.

On the immense Excelsior Sporting Club show in Cannock – topped by the five star Midlands title clash between Liam O’Hare and Ollie Cooper – The Savage faces Argentinian Alan Sebastian Velazquez.

It looks a fairly routine, rust-shedding six rounder for the multi-titled Stourbridge light-middle. The 29-year-old South American is experienced and well travelled: his last four fights have taken him to Switzerland, France, Spain and Ukraine.

But he’s a natural welter who is on an eight fight losing streak.

For Eggington, taking part in his 44th contest, it’s about notching up a win to boost his claims for another world title fight. He can do it impressively.

I understand talks have taken place to match the former British and European champ with Maple Leaf puncher Sukhdeep King Bhatti for Sam’s old IBO belt, the bout taking place in Canada.

To seal the opportunity the King of the Crowd-pleasers who last fought in March – a losing European title bid – has to be coming off a victory.

Velazquez, who has lost 19 of 24 but only failed to hear the final bell once, should provide it. A stoppage for The Savage would be something of a statement.

Stand-out on a solid undercard at the Excelsior is the clash between classy, sharp Shabir Haidary, an Afghanistan born prospect based in Gloucester, and Birmingham’s Jahfieus Faure.

Faure is much, much better than his patchy record suggests. He’s had his share of bad decision, but I think Haidary, unbeaten in nine, will be too fast and polished.

Cannock’s own Zach Evans has also been matched competitively. The light-middle – unbeaten in seven and within touching distance of a Midlands title – faces vastly experienced Serge Ambomo, a man who represented Cameroon in the 2012 Olympics.

Serge is tough, strong and a familiar face on the Midlands circuit. This year alone he’s faced local prospects Amir Abubaker, Ryan Woolridge and Tyler Christopher – and he’s still capable of pulling off upsets after over 80 contests.

It’s an ideal learning fight for Zach who will have to stay focused.