God. Sometimes I wonder if boxers are just built different. Like, who quits a stable job after less than a week to go back to getting punched in the face for a living? Sam Eggington, that's who.
I was scrolling through my Twitter feed last night (2 AM, because who needs sleep?) when I saw Eggington's interview pop up. Nearly spit out my lukewarm coffee. This man - who's been in some of the most brutal wars I've seen in British boxing - tried the "normal" life for exactly six days before throwing in the towel. Not the boxing towel. The cleaning one.
The World's Shortest Cleaning Career
So here's teh story: After losing to Abass Baraou last March, Eggington apparently hit that "what am I doing with my life" phase we all dread. My brother went through something similar after his divorce - ended up working at a pet store for three months before realizing he's allergic to hamsters. Poor Mark.
Eggington, now 31, told Ring Magazine: "I went and worked with my brother for a bit. It was alright, it is what it is."
"There was nothing happening at the time so I got a job with my brother. We were cleaning out houses for the council, I didn't mind it at all."
But then comes the kicker.
"But to be fair pal, I know people keep saying 'Sam went and lived a normal life' but brother I was there from probably Tuesday one week to the Wednesday after. I barely had a full-time job. I went for the interview, I got the job but I was there for six days max. The job was good but I was just cleaning out houses."
SIX DAYS! My longest relationship lasted longer than his cleaning career. (Actually, that's not saying much...)
When boxing pulls you back like a toxic ex
Listen. I've interviewed enough fighters to know that boxing is like that relationship you keep going back to even when it treats you badly. Eggington's been on the wrong end of some questionable decisions - like that absolute war with Ted Cheeseman back in 2020 that should've earned him more than just "Fight of the Year" honors.
After losing to Baraou for the European title at 154lbs, Eggington seemed done. Finished. Ready to embrace the glamorous world of... cleaning abandoned council houses.
I texted my editor about this story and his response: "Bet he found more disturbing things in those houses than he ever saw in a boxing ring." Probably not wrong.
The comeback nobody saw (including Eggington himself)
In November, he made his return against Alan Sebastian Velazquez and got back to winning ways. I wasn't there - I was covering a different fight in Manchester where I accidentally spilled beer on a promoter's $3000 shoes. Still haven't lived that one down.
What fascinates me about Eggington is his honesty about feeling screwed over by boxing.
"I was just like, I'm not getting any favours in close fights," he admitted. "I don't think I've ever got the rub of the green or the right end of a close fight. The Cheeseman fight was another one I thought I won, the performance was unreal."
Does he even watch boxing?
Here's the part that made me laugh out loud at 2:17 AM while my neighbor was probably wondering if I'd finally lost it. Eggington doesn't even watch boxing! He's fighting Lee Cutler this Saturday, who just had a breakout win against Stephen McKenna in December.
Did Eggington study the tape? Analyze his opponent's style? Nope.
"I didn't watch it, but as long as I do what I do, I'm 100 percent confident it'll be a good night," he said with that trademark Eggington confidence that makes you either love him or scratch your head.
I feel like I should be shocked, but after covering boxing for 11 years, nothing surprises me anymore. I once interviewed a heavyweight who admitted he'd never watched Muhammad Ali fight. My soul left my body that day.
The Eggington guarantee
If there's one thing about Sam Eggington, it's that he knows exactly who he is.
"I'm not going to change my style for anyone. You go and watch the best Sam Eggington, that's what people can expect on the night, I'm not changing a single thing for him," he declared about the upcoming Cutler fight.
And honestly? That's why fans love him.
"I always make sure in my fights that I don't make myself look like a fool. I've been stung once against Hassan Mwakinyo where he caught me early. I train so hard, 12 hard rounds, I'll throw as many shots in the 12th round as I do in the first."
From cleaning toilets to cleaning clocks in the ring... all in the span of a few months. Boxing is weird like that.
I just hope somebody's keeping his brother's phone number handy. Just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of professional boxing?
Professional boxing is a contact sport and as such, it carries risks. This includes acute injuries like cuts, bruises broken bones and head trauma as well as chronic conditions such as concussions or neurological disorders. Boxing regulations, safety gear, and proper training can help reduce risks. However, they cannot be completely eliminated. It is important to understand and accept these risks before you decide to box professionally.
What kind diet should an amateur boxer follow to improve their performance?
A novice boxer should follow a nutritionally balanced diet that fuels intense workouts and fosters recovery. The general recommendation is to eat a combination of carbohydrates and proteins for energy. Lean protein helps repair and grow muscles, while healthy fats are good for your overall health. As well, vitamins, minerals and hydration are essential. Consulting a nutritionist who specializes in sports can help create a custom diet plan for boxers that matches their training and weight-class targets.
What should someone look for in a boxing coach or trainer?
A boxing coach should have experience in the sport, be able to work with other boxers successfully, have a compatible coaching style, as well as a solid understanding of its technical and strategic components. A good coach will also stress safety, conditioning and personal growth. It is also important to find a boxing coach who can motivate you and communicate effectively.
How important mental toughness is it in professional Boxing?
Mental toughness is as vital as physical conditioning in professional boxing. It requires resilience, focus, a high level of pressure tolerance, and a strong psychological attitude to overcome obstacles. Mental training involves visualizing, learning stress management skills, and developing the right mindset to take on the challenges inside the ring. Without mental toughness, a boxer may struggle to perform optimally under the intense conditions of professional competition.
What are some of the most important components in a boxer’s training regime?
A boxer's training routine typically consists of several key components. Technical skill development, strength and conditioning exercises, sparring and mental preparation are all part of a boxer's training routine. While tactical drills are used to develop fighting strategies and improve defensive moves, technique-focused workouts focus on improving punch accuracy. Sparring and conditioning exercises provide practical combat experience. Mental training is aimed at building resilience, confidence and focus.
How can amateur boxers become professional?
A significant change in competition, intensity of training, and mental preparedness is required to make the transition from amateurs to professionals. An amateur must demonstrate a high level of performance by taking part in local or national competitions. A professional boxing licence is essential, as are experienced managers and coaches who can help guide your career and secure professional bouts.
How important is physical conditioning in professional boxing?
Physical fitness is essential for professional boxing. The sport demands a high level of strength, speed and endurance. Professional boxers are required to follow a fitness regimen that includes anaerobic and aerobic exercises, resistance and strength training, as well as flexibility workouts. A boxer's performance in the ring and ability to train is severely compromised without superior physical conditioning.
Statistics
- A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
- Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.
- On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
- The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
- Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
- As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
- Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
External Links
How To
How to increase endurance in boxing
To maintain energy through a fight, it is vital to develop endurance. Participate in aerobic exercise such as cycling, swimming or running to improve cardiovascular health. Use high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This will help you build explosive power and endurance. The heavy bag is a great tool for interval training, which involves high-intensity and rest periods. Consistently increasing intensity and duration will help you to improve your endurance.
CricketBoxingFormula 1GolfHorse RacingPremier LeagueTennisDartsPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
