Who wins between Frankie Gavin and Sam Eggington? We put pundits and fighters on the spot
Macklin, Froch, Bellew, Nelson, Rose, 'Spike' and Yafai brothers
Saturday 22 October 2016 19:59, UK
Birmingham bragging rights are up for grabs when Frankie Gavin and Sam Eggington fight on Saturday night. People are expecting a clash of styles but this week's Panel predictions have a difference of opinion...
Live Fight Night
Matthew Macklin
As I've said, it's hard to see where Frankie goes if he doesn't win and that adds extra pressure, which will either bring the best out of him, or it could get to him. I do think it will work in his favour and we will see an on-form Frankie Gavin.
If we get Frankie at his best, he will out-box Eggington but if he isn't, if he is feeling old, hasn't lived the life over the last 12 months, then Eggington will make him pay for it. The one thing Sam will do, he will make him fight. I don't like to sit on the fence, but there are so many ifs and buts.
Kal Yafai
I think Sam will make the fast start and be more aggressive because after the Bradley Skeete fight, he will want to put his foot on the gas and try to keep Frankie in his place, but I've seen a lot of Frankie sparring and he looks really well.
He's trained as hard as I've seen him for a while and he'll have no excused if he loses to Sam. It might even be close and come down to who gets their tactics right on the night, but I can see Frankie winning on points.
Carl Froch
We know Frankie Gavin has the better boxing skills but it might not surprise you, I like Sam Eggington. I know he was out-boxed by Bradley Skeete but he is a big, tall welterweight and a puncher that is always in the fight.
I would normally go with someone like Gavin because of his amateur pedigree but without being cruel, he hit his limit against Kell Brook and I am not sure what he's got left in the tank. If it goes the distance, he would take it on points but if he can get it going earlier, I am going to go against the grain... Eggington stops him in the middle to late rounds.
Gamal Yafai
If Frankie wants to get back up to world or even European level, he's got to beat Eggington and he knows that. We know Frankie does have weight problems, but he's been training hard and he's been on it.
We know he can out-box anyone. Hopefully Frankie can stay away and just ping him for 12 rounds. He is fit, so I am looking for Gavin to win on points.
Tony Bellew
I've been around the world with Frankie, he's a brilliant fighter. Technically, he's one of the best kids I have ever been in the ring with, and I'm expecting Frankie Gavin to beat Sam Eggington. You cannot be an amateur world champion and lose domestic grudge fights.
This is last chance saloon. You lose a local derby, it's over and Frankie has to understand the danger in this fight. He loses to Sam Eggington, his career is over, and he will know that. I am going for Frankie on points, maybe even a late stoppage on facial damage.
Brian Rose
I've got to go with Frankie. I was with him in the amateurs, he's a good friend of mine, my heart and head both say Frankie. On paper, people would be stupid to say otherwise. It's just if he can get up for this fight mentally. If he does, this could be fireworks.
Sam is really tough and I can't see him being knocked out but he will be hit by some really heavy shots. I'm sure he will be there until the end. I just think Frankie will outclass him and probably win on points.
Paul Smith
I like watching Eggington fight because what you see what you get. He's tough, strong, rugged and some say crude but he is still young and learning a lot. But Frankie is a class act, as long as he's at his best.
I do think Frankie can still reach the potential we all thought he would but he needs to start now by winning on Saturday. Eggington will try and overawe him and drag him into his sort of fight but most people are expecting Frankie to out-box him. I am sticking with him on points.
Spike O'Sullivan
That is a very good fight. I know both lads and they are both very good fighters. I think Frankie is slightly the favourite, but there could be an upset on the cards. It will be very interesting and I'm looking forward to that fight myself.
I think Sam is going to win. If I was going to put a bet on it, I would go for Sam Egginton, possibly by stoppage.
You can watch Frankie Gavin v Sam Eggington live on Sky Sports 2, from 8pm on Saturday.
