Public work out rings true for fight night
Rest assured this won't be the last time Sam Eggington and Frankie Gavin head into the ring like a pair of raging bulls.
The two welterweights are on a year-long collision course that will culminate in them finally locking horns this Saturday night, writes Craig Birch.
The rivals will contest the vacant WBC International title in the main event at Birmingham's Barclaycard Arena. Perhaps as importantly, bragging rights are also on the line.
It's a contest that has been a year in the making and was due to take place at the same venue on 17 October 2015. It will, again, be live on Sky Sports under the Matchroom banner.
A West Midlands derby pits Stourbridge's Eggington, former holder of the British and Commonwealth belts his opponent relinquished, against the much-vaunted Brummie Gavin.
The latter's withdrawal with a foot injury last time led to doubts as to whether the match would be made again, but the world title challenger has come through this training camp.
'The Savage' Eggington has never missed a fight date and is keen to settle a score, after claiming 'Funtime Frankie' called him 'dim' and 'dumb' in an interview.
They were kept firmly apart during a public work-out at the Bullring Birmingham, going into the squared circle separately to be put through their paces by their coaches.
There will be no separating them at the weekend, though, where 12 rounds are scheduled to prove who is the better man.
The bookmakers appear split on predictions, with some offering equal odds. They expect a clear winner, though, with the best rates of betting on a draw at 18-1.
Eggington's birthday celebrations - he was 23 last Saturday - are on hold until after he's battled Gavin, who turned 31 last month. The belt carries a top 10 ranking with the WBC.
British super flyweight champion Kal Yafai also took part at the Bullring after being added to the Barclaycard Arena show, in an eight-rounder with his opponent to be confirmed.
Young brother Gamal Yafai has been ruled out of defending his Commonwealth super bantamweight title against English boss Sean Davis through injury.
Davis will instead go for WBC International honours, jostling with late call-up Paul Economides for the vacant crown.
Craig Cunningham will be looking to take the WBC International middleweight strap and the scalp of Anthony Ogogo, Olympic bronze medallist and undefeated pro.
Two English titles will also be contested with a rematch for Don Broadhurst and Louis Norman, who drew for the flyweight crown. They now chase national prestige at super fly.
Midlands lightweight champion Marcus Ffrench could upgrade his standing if he can beat Central area counterpart Robbie Barrett for the division's English honours.
Midlands light welter titlist Andy Keates will also make his first area defence against highly-rated prospect Jordan Cooke, a match that has been months in the making.
Further support bouts will provide action for the likes of Brian Rose, Ryan Kelly, Cori Gibbs, Sam Bowen and Joe Sherriff.
Tickets are still available priced at £40, £60 and £100 from www.barclaycardarena.co.uk or by calling 0844 338 8000.
VIP passes, costing £150, are exclusively available at www.matchroomboxing.com or on 01277 359 900.
