Eggington ready for war against Jkitou on September 10

Sam Eggington has warned Bilel Jkitou to be prepared for a war when they clash in Coventry on September 10.

Eggington makes the first defence of his WBC Silver middleweight crown against unbeaten Frenchman, Jkitou at the Coventry Skydome Arena, live on Channel 5.

‘The Savage’ secured a unanimous decision win over former world champion, Carlos Molina to win the belt in May and now has a ranking of #15 with the WBC after moving up from super welterweight.

The 27-year-old is expecting a tough challenge, but insists the challenger will not derail his hopes of an eventual world title shot.

“I know that Jkitou will be coming into the ring as a hungry challenger looking to knock me out and take my crown, but there’s no way he’s going to do that,” Eggington said.

“He’ll be going all out to beat me and make a name for himself but knowing that he wants to destroy my plans makes me train harder and makes me even more determined to smash him up.  There’s no way he’s beating me or taking my belt.

“I’ve worked too long and hard in my career and I’m at the point of challenging for a world title so I cannot let all that blood, sweat and tears be for nothing.

“He’d better be prepared for a war in there on the night because I’m putting everything on the line.”

Jkitou takes a big step-up from the competition he’s faced so far in his career, but is confident of upsetting the Brit with a stoppage victory and returning to his native France as a hero.

“I’m very confident, I feel good I’m ready all year round, it’s a big challenge to fight Sam with a good belt so I had to accept the fight,” the 29-year-old said.

“He is a very good boxer with qualities and flaws, I think he has never boxed a boxer as smart as me. The tactics will make the difference in this fight.

“I think I would beat him by knockout or by stoppage in the 8th or 9th round. If he underestimates me that’s fine for me, it’s the truth in the ring.