Sam may face States fighter on club debut
Sam Eggington…headlining on Excelsior Club’s debut night
SAM Eggington – the Black Country beast of a fighter who has earned his ring moniker “The Savage” the hard way – may well face American opposition on the opening night of a glitzy, five star sporting club.
Prominent fight figure Scott Murray, boss of Cannock’s Premier Suite, has certainly pulled out all the stops for the Excelsior Club’s first show, which will take place at the venue on March 30.
From Cannock, the Excelsior, which represents a return of the black-tie clubs once so popular in our region, will spread to London and other major cities.
The line-up for March 30 is truly mouth-watering. Getting former British and European welterweight and world light-middleweight titleholder to headline is a real coup for Scott.
There’s also the pro debut of Niall Farrell, one of Birmingham’s greatest amateurs, and those present will witness a performance by the Second City’s hottest and most exciting prospects, Nyall Berry.
As the clock ticks towards the big night it seems increasingly likely that Stourbridge’s Eggington will face a US opponent.
Jon Pegg, his manager and Excelsior match-maker, said: “(Former world lightweight champ) Ray Mancini is working with Scott, has connections with the WBC and is trying to get an American for Scott. It’ll be either six or eight rounds.”
Niall Farrell with Scott Murray. A big night awaits amateur star
Matching Chelmsley Wood’s Berry is proving increasingly difficult. He’s coming off a first round stoppage – the second of his career, has won six on the spin, half of them by stoppage.
The 23-year-old featherweight looks to have a very bright future ahead.
Pegg said: “No one wants to fight him because he’s demolishing fighters who don’t get demolished.
“And there’s much more to come. The public haven’t seen the nasty side of him yet, the side we see in sparring in the gym.”
Of his new venture, Scott Murray said: : “Ray (Mancini) has a working relationship with two major US promoters and, through him, we’ll get American boxers on the shows. I’m also talking to Steve Collins’ brother about sending Irish fighters over, so the shows will be real international affairs.
“The plan is to have four shows this year. Then we’ll grow to six, with two taking place in London. We’re already putting together major celebrity appearances for the London events.”
Whisper it, but one of the major celebrities may be heavyweight great Lennox Lewis.
Nyall Berry…big prospect with a big punch
The March 30, black tie launch will be hosted by TV’s Steve Bunce, former world champ Richie Woodhall and Mancini.
Former Cannock promoter Ron Gray – at the forefront of the Midlands sporting club scene during its heyday – has provided advice for the business blueprint.
Scott added: “I felt the time was right to revive sporting clubs. Each week I sit down with Ron and his knowledge and mentoring has proved invaluable.”