He was far from the best or most skilled, but the man gave his blood, sweat, tears and plenty of brain cells for us. It's probably a good thing to call it a day when he did, because most men can't endure one of the beatings he's received, much less several of them. So happy retirement Sam, and thank you for entertaining us with so many absolutely brutal FOTY candidates! This content is protected
A goddamn warrior through and through. Gave us plenty of exciting FOTY candidates. Always a pleasure watching him fight win or lose. He went out on his shield against Walker. I'm glad he's hanging them up while his health is still intact. Enjoy retirement Champ!
Also can't forget that memorable moment of Eggington retiring Paulie Malignaggi for good. Just his reaction to the combinations that Malignaggi threw and landed on him says it all. Paulie's punches had absolutely nothing on him. This content is protected
I'll remember him for slowly lowering his guard during a Malignaggi flurry like "Wait this doesn't even hurt" then laughing.
May as well give all these guys a go: I hope Sam enjoys a well earned retirement. One of the toughest, ballsiest fighters in living memory. Cap doffed!
Hope he made some quid and enjoys retirement Nearly pulled off the upset recently Would have liked to seen him do a farewell tour but if he’s happy, he’s happy
Possibly my favourite fighter over the last ten years Pure entertainment and makes a complete mockery of idiots that dismiss a boxer because they lose a few times Hopefully we won't see him come back and he enjoys the rest of his days
Respect to him. A real throwback fighter This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected
Sometimes when I was feeling down I'd rewatch his fights. This content is protected Just one those fighters who really gave a service to the sport and makes you remember why you love it.
He won all those British and Euro belts and won the IBO, the 5th best strap on the planet IMO. Definitely a fighter than inspires a guy like me to turn pro late as **** (40, planning to start pro at 42, just working on the sparring and cardio for the next 16 months, was always my dream to fight pro, even on the lowest level)
Pleased Sam has retired, no boxing fan will ever forget his incredible fighting spirit.A true warrior
A credit to the sport, my favourite boxer over the past decade. I hope he's earned a decent amount (the IBO defence was apparently a pay off the mortgage-sized purse) and I hope he invests it well.