Wednesday 15 February 2017 17:43, UK
Sam Eggington will defend his WBC International welterweight title against Paulie Malignaggi at The O2 in London on Saturday March 4, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
The card will be headlined by the heavyweight contest between feuding rivals David Haye and Tony Bellew, and is now bolstered by 23-year-old Eggington's opportunity to add former two-weight world champion Malignaggi to his list of victims.
"This is the big name and big card that I've wanted for some time," said Eggington. "I've asked for these sorts of fights for a while, I got Frankie Gavin and now I've got Paulie.
"He's going to be the biggest name on my record, you just have to look at what he's won and who he has boxed to see that, but I have asked to fight him for a while now and I am confident that I can beat him, and beating him is a big scalp on my record. It puts me in that world bracket which is where I want to be.
"He's good at what he does, he is a bit like Frankie really and fighting him has put me in good stead for this one, he's not the biggest puncher and he's smaller than Frankie, but he's won world titles and been in with everyone.
"Paulie's been at world level for so long that he's got all the tricks and probably got more to pull out on the night, so I know it's going to be a big test and it's one that I'm going to rise to.
"This could have been a fight without a title, Paulie is the man I want to beat - that name on the record will make people stand up and take notice and will make a splash in the US too. It's a fantastic Box Office bill and I've never been on a bill of this scale so it's really exciting for me."
Paulie is the man I want to beat - that name on the record will make people stand up and take notice and will make a splash in the US too.
Former world champion Malignaggi added: "I am excited as ever to once again return to the UK and fight in front of the most passionate fans in the world.
"I know Eggington is young and hungry but my experience and craftiness will be too much for him to overcome."
I know Eggington is young and hungry but my experience and craftiness will be too much for him to overcome.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said: "What a fight this is and what an opportunity for Sam Eggington. Paulie Malignaggi is one of the biggest names and personalities in the sport and still remains full of skill, heart and desire."
David Haye vs Tony Bellew is live on Sky Sports Box Office on March 4, after Carl Frampton rematches Leo Santa Cruz on Saturday on Sky Sports.
