BoxRec

‘The Savage’ Sam Eggington will battle Abass Baraou for the European Super Welterweight title on March 1

Abass Baraou and Sam Eggington will battle it out for the vacant European Super Welterweight title on Friday, March 1 live on Channel 5.

Wasserman Boxing, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum, delivered a series of sensational fight nights in 2023 that were watched by millions on free-to-air television.

And today, it can be confirmed that Wasserman’s 2024 schedule launches with a contest that will stake an early claim for Fight of the Year, as Baraou faces ‘The Savage’ Eggington in Telford.

Baraou is Germany’s world-ranked former amateur star with designs on global domination, while Eggington is a British boxing cult hero after a barnstorming career packed with memorable blood and guts fights and title wins.

Twice a winner of the domestic Fight of the Year, Eggington is bidding to become a two-weight EBU European champion, but Baraou has outstanding pedigree and is ready to live up to his billing as one of the best fighters of his generation from Germany.

This tantilising clash of styles is certain to produce yet another fight that fans will go crazy for, live and free on Channel 5.

Abass Baraou said: "I am incredibly motivated after finally confirming my shot at the European title and I can promise you that I won't let this chance slip through my fingers.

"Winning the prestigious European title on March 1 will be a major step on my mission to becoming a world champion and I plan on putting on a performance that sends out a statement to rest of the division.

"Everyone in boxing knows that Sam Eggington is a warrior and has been in some great fights in his career, and our clash of styles will make for another thriller but make no mistake, I will emerge victorious."

Sam Eggington said: "March 1 in Telford is the night I write the next chapter in my crazy boxing story. My fans will pack out the arena and roar me on to become a two-weight European champion.

"I always deliver must-see fights, I have done so all of my career, but this one against Baraou could be the best yet. Whether you're at ringside or watching live on Channel 5, you're in for one hell of a fight.

"Baraou may have international amateur medals, just like Frankie Gavin did when we fought, but he has never faced a fighter like me, over 12 gruelling rounds, where I don't let him breathe for a second."

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “What a way to start our big fight schedule for 2024!

“Baraou vs Eggington is an absolute banger of a fight and we’re staging it at a venue which always lends itself to creating a great atmosphere.

“Abass is one of the best super welterweights in the world, and winning the European title will act as a launchpad to world honours.

“But Eggington is a British boxing hero who shows incredible bravery, toughness and a granite chin, time after time after time.

“Last year was a record-setting one for Wasserman Boxing on Channel 5, with millions of people tuning in to watch our events, and so we are setting our stall out for 2024 with this humdinger on March 1 in Telford.”

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "Boxing fans the world over are being treated to a cracking night of action to kick off 2024, and Ladbrokes is once again extremely proud to play a part in things.

“Abass Baraou has been tipped by many for great things - world titles, even - but it's safe to say he'll be up against it in Telford as Sam Eggington will head into the ring with the local backing, and then some.”

He added: "Baraou got the job done early last time he fought on British soil, but it takes a lot to knock down The Savage... all signs point towards another exhilarating night of Channel 5 boxing in March.”

tough fight for sameh, abass can really box, unlucky to have the decision go against him vs culcay

Press Release

Abass Baraou and Sam Eggington will battle it out for the vacant European Super Welterweight title on Friday, March 1 live on Channel 5.

And today, it can be confirmed that Wasserman’s 2024 schedule launches with Baraou facing ‘The Savage’ Eggington in Telford.

Baraou is Germany’s world-ranked former amateur star with designs on global domination, while Eggington is a British boxing cult hero after a barnstorming career packed with memorable blood and guts fights and title wins.

Twice a winner of the domestic Fight of the Year, Eggington is bidding to become a two-weight EBU European champion, but Baraou has outstanding pedigree and is ready to live up to his billing as one of the best fighters of his generation from Germany.

Baraou said: "I am incredibly motivated after finally confirming my shot at the European title and I can promise you that I won't let this chance slip through my fingers.

"Winning the prestigious European title on March 1 will be a major step on my mission to becoming a world champion and I plan on putting on a performance that sends out a statement to rest of the division.

"Everyone in boxing knows that Sam Eggington is a warrior and has been in some great fights in his career, and our clash of styles will make for another thriller but make no mistake, I will emerge victorious."

Eggington said: "March 1 in Telford is the night I write the next chapter in my crazy boxing story. My fans will pack out the arena and roar me on to become a two-weight European champion.

"I always deliver must-see fights, I have done so all of my career, but this one against Baraou could be the best yet. Whether you're at ringside or watching live on Channel 5, you're in for one hell of a fight.

"Baraou may have international amateur medals, just like Frankie Gavin did when we fought, but he has never faced a fighter like me, over 12 gruelling rounds, where I don't let him breathe for a second."

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “What a way to start our big fight schedule for 2024!

“Baraou vs Eggington is an absolute banger of a fight and we’re staging it at a venue which always lends itself to creating a great atmosphere.

“Abass is one of the best super welterweights in the world, and winning the European title will act as a launchpad to world honours.

“But Eggington is a British boxing hero who shows incredible bravery, toughness and a granite chin, time after time after time.

“Last year was a record-setting one for Wasserman Boxing on Channel 5, with millions of people tuning in to watch our events, and so we are setting our stall out for 2024 with this humdinger on March 1 in Telford.”

hope Eggington wins, from his recent interviews, sounds like he's been spun a load of shit in terms of fight offers. Will always support Sam, he went on the road to earn more and has carved a fantastic career. This is a guy who lost twice in Prizefighter tournaments, he is tough as teak and does not give up. I really hope he gets a good run and paydays. Jon Pegg looks after him too, Jon is one of the best human beings in the sport.

I also quite like that Sam doesn't like boxing or watch it. It's just his job.

Press Release | Matty Harris, With New Trainer Peter Fury, Returns on March 1 in Telford

A recharged Matty Harris starts out on the heavyweight comeback trail on Friday, March 1 in Telford as part of a night of European title action.

Also added to the Wasserman Boxing event at the Telford International Centre, is one of British boxing’s young stars, Dan Toward who has made a flying start to life as a professional.

The Wasserman Boxing talents are the first additions to the undercard of the EBU European Super Welterweight title showdown between Abass Baraou and Sam Eggington, which will be shown live and free-to-air on Channel 5.

Heavyweight puncher Harris, 24, returns to the ring for the first time since July’s shock defeat in Edinburgh to Kostiantyn Dovbyshchenko and fights for the first time under new coach, Peter Fury.

Toward, 22, has hit the ground running in the pro ranks, clocking up two quick wins at the end of last year, and heads to Telford with a new trainer, Dave Coldwell.

Harris said: “Since losing my unbeaten record, I have taken time out to work on what went wrong last summer.

“I’ve now got a renewed focus and I feel recharged and more than ready to get back in the ring, on March 1 in Telford.

“I have teamed up with Peter Fury and I am really excited about this new partnership and where my career can go with this man in my corner, because he has forgotten more than most people know about the sport.

“I’m buzzing to be back; I can’t wait to put right what went wrong and start putting myself back in the heavyweight mix.”

Toward said: “I am one of Britain’s brightest prospects and I fully intend on setting out my stall for 2024, with a big performance on March 1 in Telford.

“This time, I will have Dave Coldwell in my corner and I can’t wait to show people in the arena, and those watching on TV, what we have been working on behind-closed-doors.

“It was incredible to experience being under the lights and in front of cameras for the first time as a pro last year, and the stage gets even bigger in Telford.

“One day soon, it will be me who is fighting for the European title but, for now, I am going to soak up the atmosphere and deliver a performance that will steal the show.”

looking good, hope Harris does well with Fury. Dovbyshchenko was a tough opponent, never been stopped, won 10 fights and been in with good fighters in UK and abroad. Jamie TKV is fighting him next, that is bad matchmaking for me as TKV is coming off a loss.

Matty Harris is showing as it's his debut on the listing - https://boxrec.com/en/event/889233

matt3m wrote: ↑27 Jan 2024, 07:39 Matty Harris is showing as it's his debut on the listing - https://boxrec.com/en/event/889233

I just checked. The fight is being listed under his amateur profile.. lol

https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/1048818 - pro

https://boxrec.com/en/box-am/1048818 - amateur

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑27 Jan 2024, 07:45

matt3m wrote: ↑27 Jan 2024, 07:39 Matty Harris is showing as it's his debut on the listing - https://boxrec.com/en/event/889233

I just checked. The fight is being listed under his amateur profile.. lol

https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/1048818 - pro

https://boxrec.com/en/box-am/1048818 - amateur

after one defeat he's back to being an amateur lol

matt3m wrote: ↑27 Jan 2024, 07:46 after one defeat he's back to being an amateur lol

I think its a mistake by boxrec

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑27 Jan 2024, 08:13

matt3m wrote: ↑27 Jan 2024, 07:46 after one defeat he's back to being an amateur lol

I think its a mistake by boxrec

Oh for sure, I was being sarcastic lol

harsh by boxrec, one loss and they take your pro card, ruthless :)

SeanBrennan wrote: ↑27 Jan 2024, 07:15 looking good, hope Harris does well with Fury. Dovbyshchenko was a tough opponent, never been stopped, won 10 fights and been in with good fighters in UK and abroad. Jamie TKV is fighting him next, that is bad matchmaking for me as TKV is coming off a loss.

if tkv cant beat this guy or the brazilian who bullied him last fight than i dont think pro boxing is the right path for him if he wants to get to a good level as an a-side fighter. i like this fight because it helps tell us how serious tkv really is and whether he is dedicated enough to get himself in better shape and back on track after a rocky loss. sink or swim

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑29 Jan 2024, 06:34

SeanBrennan wrote: ↑27 Jan 2024, 07:15 looking good, hope Harris does well with Fury. Dovbyshchenko was a tough opponent, never been stopped, won 10 fights and been in with good fighters in UK and abroad. Jamie TKV is fighting him next, that is bad matchmaking for me as TKV is coming off a loss.

if tkv cant beat this guy or the brazilian who bullied him last fight than i dont think pro boxing is the right path for him if he wants to get to a good level as an a-side fighter. i like this fight because it helps tell us how serious tkv really is and whether he is dedicated enough to get himself in better shape and back on track after a rocky loss. sink or swim

you're right, it's a brave (or foolish depending on your appetite) move. Really valid point.

Good luck to Sam for this one - hope he can pull it off.

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑29 Jan 2024, 06:34

SeanBrennan wrote: ↑27 Jan 2024, 07:15 looking good, hope Harris does well with Fury. Dovbyshchenko was a tough opponent, never been stopped, won 10 fights and been in with good fighters in UK and abroad. Jamie TKV is fighting him next, that is bad matchmaking for me as TKV is coming off a loss.

if tkv cant beat this guy or the brazilian who bullied him last fight than i dont think pro boxing is the right path for him if he wants to get to a good level as an a-side fighter. i like this fight because it helps tell us how serious tkv really is and whether he is dedicated enough to get himself in better shape and back on track after a rocky loss. sink or swim

Generally anyone turning up in that kind of shape is a lost cause. Gorman a good example. He's always going to look fat and out of shape and it will always affect his performance. Frankie Gavin is another example of someone who ruined his career. Instead of staying at 135 he fought at higher weights. Way into his boxing career after missing weight yet again, he revealed he had a beans on toast diet. A lot of this is just mental. These guys can't get themselves to eat right.

TheLeprechaun wrote: ↑31 Jan 2024, 14:13

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑29 Jan 2024, 06:34

SeanBrennan wrote: ↑27 Jan 2024, 07:15 looking good, hope Harris does well with Fury. Dovbyshchenko was a tough opponent, never been stopped, won 10 fights and been in with good fighters in UK and abroad. Jamie TKV is fighting him next, that is bad matchmaking for me as TKV is coming off a loss.

if tkv cant beat this guy or the brazilian who bullied him last fight than i dont think pro boxing is the right path for him if he wants to get to a good level as an a-side fighter. i like this fight because it helps tell us how serious tkv really is and whether he is dedicated enough to get himself in better shape and back on track after a rocky loss. sink or swim

Generally anyone turning up in that kind of shape is a lost cause. Gorman a good example. He's always going to look fat and out of shape and it will always affect his performance. Frankie Gavin is another example of someone who ruined his career. Instead of staying at 135 he fought at higher weights. Way into his boxing career after missing weight yet again, he revealed he had a beans on toast diet. A lot of this is just mental. These guys can't get themselves to eat right.

Gorman blimey, lovely fella, yet would turn up to a fight at 300lbs - and he was a full time boxer.

“I think the ring rust thing isn’t totally a myth but if you’re in the gym, you’re in the gym. Personally I don’t think ring rust is a huge problem,” he told Boxing Scene.

“Since I fought Pigford I had a holiday a week after and haven’t stopped training since so I don’t believe it’ll be a massive deal. I like to stay active and I would do if I had the choice but I don’t think it’s gonna be a big deal. I don’t have to hate someone or prepare for them to do 12 hard rounds. I’ll do 12 hard rounds at the drop of a hat.

“I think I’ve shown in a few fights - against Carlos Molina [W UD12 in 2021], Cheeseman [L UD12 in 2020] and a few others - that I can box but if it goes off and the fight lights up, that’s meat and drink for me. They’ve gotta keep it on the end of a jab or box because otherwise it’s fun and games for me and people know that so we’ll see what the kid brings and see what he can do.”

“I’ve had people telling me from the start that the way I box I’d end up having a three or four year career and that I won’t be able to box like that,” he said. “Every fight I get it. ‘That’s another hard fight, he’ll retire soon.’ Well, if you keep saying that you’ll be right at one point.

“The Australian fight, I wasn’t myself at all and that’s why I got the Pigford fight I think. I’m not sure about this fight [with Barrou]. He seems up for it. His promotional team [Sauerland] have give me enough time to really get ready. Promoters can do little things to get one over on you but these haven’t. They’ve given me the time and everything I needed. Whether this kid is looking for an easy touch or something I don’t know. We’ll see.”

forgot he fought Cheeseman - has Ted retired?

Fight Week!!

Eggington is another perennial stalwart of British boxing.

Similar to John Ryder, Sam dusts himself off following a setback and keeps going

Eggington is a throwback to the 70s and 80s in many respects and great to see him get another crack at the European title

abass starrted as underdog for this and though he's fave now the odds are still very very close. worth a bet because i think he'll be too skillful for eggy, could see him win comfortably with eggy fighting his heart out but getting picked off

good fight though, like when a challenge is brought in. no surprise it's eggy fighting him

winner vs josh kelly

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑26 Feb 2024, 04:47 Fight Week!!

looking forward to this Ruthless. Lots of time for Sam. There is overachieving from what they set out to, then there is Sam. Legend.

Bloody love The egg .
All action, never in a dull one ever !

Good to get some British boxing back on , I've never understood why we have weeks after weeks with nothing on .

SeanBrennan wrote: ↑02 Feb 2024, 07:14 forgot he fought Cheeseman - has Ted retired?

Good point , seems to have disappeared.
Another all action good to watch fighter , didn't half take some shellacking in his last few fights tho .