Wednesday 9 August 2017 10:49, UK
Sam Eggington has revealed how Paulie Malignaggi helped put together the tactical game-plan for his European title fight with Ceferino Rodriguez.
'The Savage' will challenge Rodriguez for the European welterweight belt on the undercard of Kal Yafai's WBA super-flyweight title defence against Suguru Muranaka this Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
Eggington enhanced his reputation with a stoppage win over Malignaggi in March and has since forged a friendship with the former world champion, who was previously scheduled to face Rodriguez and passed on advice.
"He's always on the phone, Paulie," Eggington told Sky Sports. "He's constantly talking to Jon Pegg, always giving tips, and was looking through my sparring videos and giving me tips on my sparring.
If you ever told me before that I would have Paulie Malignaggi at the end of the phone, helping me out, I would have laughed.
"He was obviously going to fight Ceferino Rodriguez, so he gave me all the tips that he pulled out of the bag before that fight fell through. He has helped me out a lot.
"If you ever told me before that I would have Paulie Malignaggi at the end of the phone, helping me out, I would have laughed. But he really has helped and he wants me to do well. It's just another little bonus."
The exciting 23-year-old is part of a strong weight division, with IBF champion Kell Brook defending his title against Errol Spence Jr in Sheffield on May 27, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Eggington admits he still has more to learn, but would find it hard to resist the opportunity to battle one of the world title holders.
He said: "If they ring me, I'm going to take it all day, but there have been a few talks about defending the European, so I'm presuming there will be at least one defence.
"But like I say, if they ring me with a fight for me, then I'm going to take it, no doubt."
Watch Kal Yafai vs Suguru Muranaka, Sam Eggington vs Ceferino Rodriguez, and Josh Kelly on this Saturday's Birmingham bill, from 7.30pm on Sky Sports 2.
