Glenn Foot has told Sam Eggington that he is the first ‘live’ opponent he’s faced – and the Sunderland man says he’ll take his Commonwealth Welterweight title and the vacant British title when they clash at the Manchester Arena on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
Foot has had to battle hard to get into range for a major title fight having battled with injury and fights falling through since landing the Prizefighter title back in January 2013 – and has had to sit back and watch Eggington take the plaudits for his rise on the domestic 147lbs scene.
The 21 year old Stourbridge talent that has been impressing on Sky Sports with wins over Denton Vassell, Shayne Singleton and Joseph Lamptey catching the eye – and Foot expects to come out on top in a tough fight.
“Sam likes to come forward, so we’ll go toe-to-toe for 12 rounds,” said Foot. “He’s starting to come up the ranks. There’s a bit of buzz about him. I think that when he gets a live opponent who can punch, he’s in for a shock. It’s going to be a tough fight because he’s fit, he’s durable – but he doesn’t know what he’s in for.
“I’ll show in this fight what I can actually do. I’ve got too much for him. Look at his amateur pedigree next to mine. I can fight, I can box. I can do whatever I want.”
What Foot wants to do is win the British and Commonwealth belts and take them back to Sunderland and defend them in front of his loyal fans.
“It would be unreal for my family, all my supporters and especially for my Granddad,” said Foot. “It’s good for the North East as well – for Sunderland. There’s only ever been one British champion from Sunderland – Billy Hardy.
“I would love to have another North East fighter to fight for it, just to keep it in the North East and give them a chance.”
Foot’s clash with Eggington is part of a huge night of action in Manchester with two huge World title fights topping the bill as Scott Quigg defends his WBA World Super Bantamweight title against Kiko Martinez and Anthony Crolla challenges Darleys Perez for the WBA World Lightweight strap.
There’s another vacant British title on the line as stylish duo Chris Jenkins and Tyrone Nurse lock horns for the Light Welterweight strap.
St. Helens’ Martin Murray boxes at Super Middleweight for the second time in quick succession as he targets some huge domestic battles at 168lbs, and there’s a host of young talent on display in unbeaten Gallagher’s gym duo Hosea Burton and Marcus Morrison, while there are outings for Prizefighter Lightweight champion Jono Carroll, former Team GB starlet Charlie Edwards, Sedgefield’s Jeff Saunders, Middleton’s Liam Taylor and Chapel-en-le-Firth’s Jack Massey.
Tickets are on sale priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 through www.manchester-arena.com or by calling 0844 847 8000.
