Abass Baraou wins Hard Fought Decision Over Sam Eggington For EBU Belt

In a workmanlike performance at Telford, Abass Baraou (15-1, 9 KOs) clinched the EBU super welterweight title with a hard fought victory over Sam Eggington (34-9, 20 KOs), a seasoned fighter who has held titles across British, Commonwealth, and European levels in the past. This win marks a pivotal moment for Baraou, while Eggington faces a crossroads after his ninth loss, pondering his next move in pursuit of championship glory in a second weight class.

The fight started with both fighters cautiously testing each other, trading jabs in an initial sizing up. Baraou quickly upped the ante, backing Eggington against the ropes and targeting the body aggressively. By the second round, Baraou's confidence surged as he adeptly countered Eggington's jabs, maintaining pressure and dictating the fight's pace.

The momentum firmly shifted in Baraou's favour by the third round, with a right hook dramatically knocking out Eggington's mouthpiece. This dominance extended into the fourth, with Baraou effectively neutralising Eggington's inside fighting attempts.

Eggington found himself cornered early in the fifth, absorbing punishment to both body and head as Baraou dismissed his attempts to close the distance. The sixth round was notably quieter, though Baraou managed to land a significant left hook, and the seventh saw him unleash a potent five-punch combination, even as Eggington briefly turned the tables.

Despite Eggington's spirited effort in the eighth, imposing himself in close quarters, Baraou broke the pattern in the ninth with a decisive right hook that shifted the fight's momentum, compelling the referee to monitor Eggington closely.

Baraou dominated the later rounds, particularly with a striking left hook in the tenth that underscored his superiority. Eggington's resilience waned as the fight progressed, becoming a static target for Baraou's attacks.

The concluding round epitomised the fight's dynamic, with Baraou landing the more effective shots in close-range exchanges. Exhausted and outmatched, Eggington endured until the end.

The judges' decision underscored Baraou's dominance, awarding him a majority decision with scores of 117-111, 117-112, and a contentious 114-114, securing his status as the new EBU super welterweight champion. This victory elevates Baraou's career and signals a moment for Eggington to reflect on his future in the sport.