Sam Eggington open to Josh Kelly and Vergil Ortiz Jr showdowns

Sam Eggington says he is open to domestic clashes with both Josh Kelly and Vergil Ortiz Jr.

Eggington vies for the European super welterweight title when he faces Abass Baraou on March 1 at the Telford International Centre, live on Channel 5.

‘The Savage’ believes a showdown with Kelly, who fights under the Wasserman banner on Channel 5, could be next with victory.

“I don’t really plan any fights out,” the Midlands man told proboxing-fans.com. 

“But I presume when I beat Baraou, I presume they’ll try and call that one and if they do we’ll sit down and mull over the offer and if it’s decent enough [I’ll take it].

“I’ve never turned down a fight, so there’s no way I’ll start now.

“But we’ve got to get through this one and that one is offered afterwards and it’s all fair, then 100% I’d take that one without fail.”

Ortiz Jr blew away Fredrick Lawson inside the opening round of his debut at super welterweight earlier this month after moving up from 147lbs.

Eggington is ranked at #15 by the WBA behind the unbeaten knockout artist and he would be willing to face the Texan.

“There’s some talks of him fighting [Tim] Tszyu,” the 30-year-old added.

“I’d get in with either of them, as long as the offers are ok.

“I’ve not watched enough of them to start picking them apart.

“But, 100% it’s fights I’d love to be offered.”

Baraou has won five on the bounce since his only reverse in a split decision loss to Jack Culcay in August 2020.

Eggington, who stopped the previously undefeated Joe Pigford in Bournemouth in May, admits he’s confident of inflicting a knockout loss on his German opponent.

“My mentality is always you don’t get paid overtime,” he added.

“So the earlier the night the better.

“I 100% I believe [I can knock him out].

“His record is much better than Pigford’s, but it’s nothing I couldn’t have done.