SAM EGGINGTON will now defend his British and Commonwealth welterweight titles against Dale Evans next weekend [October 17] after his original opponent, Frankie Gavin, suffered an injury.

Sam and Frankie were set to meet in an intriguing all-Birmingham clash at the Barclaycard Arena for the straps Gavin used to hold before he vacated, but the 30-year-old injured his foot, ruling him out.

Evans, who outpointed Eggington over three rounds in a Prizefighter tournament in 2013, has stepped in and Sam is raring to go.

“I’m pleased to still be able to get another notch on the Lonsdale belt and happy to give Dale Evans this opportunity,” he said.

“He’s beat me but I was so young when he fought then and it was my first time making the weight or being on television, so it felt like a bit of a whirlwind.

“I’m a completely different animal know and Dale will see the difference in there.”

It is believed plans are being made to reschedule Eggington-Gavin for December 12 at the O2 Arena in London on a bill headlined by Anthony Joshua-Dillian Whyte, should Sam prevail over Evans.