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Frankie Gavin supporting Sam Eggington's goal

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Stourbridge's Sam Eggington will not fight Frankie Gavin in his home city of Birmingham - but he is in line for a shot at his Commonwealth title.

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The two welterweights will compete at the Barclaycard Arena on Saturday May 9, live on Sky Sports, with Gavin now under the Matchroom Boxing banner.

'Funtime' Frankie will top the bill in what it's hoped will be a second shot at the European crown with champion Gianluca Branco, 44, made a big-money offer to take the fight.

But the British and Commonwealth champion today admitted he's prepared to relinquish the latter belt, once he has defended it one last time, writes Craig Birch.

That will again be put up-for-grabs in Gavin's debut for Eddie Hearn's company on March 28, on the under-card of Kell Brook's first defence of the IBF world title.

Then it's onto Birmingham where Eggington's chase for his first 12-rounder and a major domestic title could come to pass, provided he defeats Shayne Singleton on March 7.

Gavin said: "This will definitely be the last time I defend the Commonwealth, I think I will be vacating afterwards so Sam can have his shot.

"I believe I am a different level to him, at this time, and Eddie agreed when we talked about it that it's not the right fight for either of us.

"I respect Sam and I think he's as game as any fighter there is, but he has to prove himself. If he steps up and up, then we will do it.

"I am the mandatory challenger to the European, so Branco will have to fight me sooner or later, and he's been offered than he would make in three fights."

Eggington will first be looking to rip the WBC International Silver crown from Singleton at the Ice Arena in Hull and land himself a world ranking.

Ready - Sam Eggington should get his first 12-round fight on the big Birmingham bill in May.

'The Savage' - eight years Gavin's senior at 21 - has already boxed 15 times as a professional and is still in possession of the Midlands title.

And 'Sam the Man' wants to keep himself in the prize ring as he works himself up to major domestic honours, however many dates he has lined up.

He said: "I thought I was going to beat Singleton before I heard about this show in Birmingham and I still think I am going to beat him now.

"It's actually nice to have another big fight in the pipeline, I guess it puts a bit more pressure on me but I am not someone who will get fazed.

"If I was Frankie, I would go for the European title, which I think he will win and then move on. That's the best outcome for me right now."

Tickets will be made available to Matchroom 'Fight Pass' members on Monday February 16, before going on general sale the following day. The Barclaycard Arena is on 0870 909 4144.