Eddie Hearn: I’d never have made Cheeseman-Eggington if it hadn’t been for coronavirus pandemic

Ted Cheeseman challenges Sam Eggington for the IBF International super-welterweight title on Saturday night – with promoter Eddie Hearn admitting he would never have matched the pair if it wasn’t for the coronavirus pandemic.

The duo headline Matchroom Boxing’s first Fight Camp week – with the show taking place in the grounds of Hearn’s home and HQ for the company.

Cheeseman, 24, is looking to end a three-bout winless streak. He took a beating in a failed European title challenge against Sergio Garcia in February 2019 – his first professional reverse.

He then drew with underdog Kieron Conway before losing his British title against Scott Fitzgerald in October 2019.

Eggington has six defeats on a 34-fight career and has won his last four since being halted by Liam Smith for the WBC Silver title. In September he stopped Orlando Fiordigiglio in Florence to claim the IBF strap.

A spate of boxing shows had to be suspended when the country went into lockdown and Fight Camp will not have any fans at the event.

Hearn said: “A loss is quite hurtful for their career – especially for Ted. I felt the Fitzgerald fight was very close, I thought he beat Conway but he got a draw there and he lost to Sergio Garcia. That’s his three last fights.

“Ted Cheeseman called them guinea pigs, kicking off Fight Camp for us.

“There is no way I’d have made this fight in normal circumstances. Sam has just gone into the top-15 in the world, Cheeseman is coming off a defeat. They’ve both looked at it and went ‘we want to make money, we want to roll the dice and be part of this – so we’ll put it on the line’. It’s great news for fans.”

“Italy was such a defining night for him [Eggington] because if he lost there then he’s back fighting for British titles on the smaller hall scene.

“At 26 years of age he has been in a lot of big fights. You forget that most people are only starting their career at 26. That win was huge.”