Lerrone Richards will no longer be fighting at York Hall on Friday night after his opponent was forced out through injury.
Richards was due to take on Steed Woodall for the WBO Intercontinental Super Middleweight title.
The Wasserman Boxing show is headlined by Charlie Edwards as he launches his bid to become a two-weight world champion, live and free on Channel 5 at 10pm.
Edwards faces former European title holder Georges Ory for the WBC International Silver Bantamweight title over 10 rounds and plans on making a statement in front of a huge national television audience.
Edwards’ highly anticipated return is supported by the latest contest for Tom Welland, one of British boxing’s hottest prospects, as well as a Southern Area title fight between Obi Egbunike and Jordan Dujon.
Jesse Brandon has a first fight of 2024 while Oliver Zaren faces a test of his potential, when he faces John Harding Jnr.
The popular Christian Fetti makes his professional debut, Brighton’s Harvey Dykes is back in action, along with Robert Lloyd-Taylor Jnr and Elliot Whale.

Charlie Edwards will launch his bid to become a two-weight world champion when he headlines a Wasserman Boxing event at York Hall on Friday April 12, live and free on Channel 5.

And on the same crunch night of action, Lerrone Richards looks to accelerate his pursuit of second world super middleweight title, when he fights in the co-main event.

Edwards, the former world flyweight king, is now targeting bantamweight gold and takes on former European champion Georges Ory for the WBC Silver International title over 10 rounds.

Richards, meanwhile, is laser-focused on reclaiming the super middle crown and knows he must get past the tough Steed Woodall over 10 rounds, to keep his dream alive, with the WBO Intercontinental Super Middleweight title up for grabs.

Wasserman Boxing, in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum, returns to the spiritual home of British boxing with Don’t Call It A Comeback, its second blockbuster show of 2024, as two of Britain’s former world champions set out on the road back to the top.

Ladbrokes Odds
 
Edwards – 1/12 | Ory – 7/1 | Draw – 20/1

Richards – 1/8 | Woodall – 5/1 | Draw – 20/1

UNDERCARD•    Jordan Dujon and Kingsley Egbunike collide for the vacant Southern Area Super Welterweight title.
•    One of British boxing’s brightest prospects Tom Welland, fresh from a thumping stoppage win in Telford, has a fourth contest of his pro career.
•    The Mikkel Kessler-trained Oliver Zaren boxes in front of a UK audience for the fourth time in a row, in an eight-round contest.
•    The exciting Jesse Brandon returns for a first outing of 2024.

QUOTES
Charlie Edwards said: “This has been a long time coming but, finally, I can confirm that the road to becoming a two-weight world champion starts now.
“The past couple of years have been extremely challenging but I never lost sight of the fact that there would always be light at the end of the tunnel, and on April 12, at the famous York Hall, I put on a performance to make the bantamweight title holders sit up and take note.
“Thank-you to Wasserman Boxing and Channel 5 for believing in me and giving me the platform from which to begin my charge at a second world title.
“I can’t wait to bring world title fights to his huge audience on terrestrial TV, it’s my time, it’s Resurgence season.”

Lerrone Richards said: “Being known as a two-time champion of the world, and further etching my name into the history of British boxing, is what drives me every day.
“And what will make that extra special is that the whole country, who will be watching at home on Channel 5, are able to come on this journey with me.
“It felt good to make my Wasserman Boxing debut late last year, but in 2024 I’m putting my foot to the floor and reclaiming what is rightfully mine – the super middleweight championship of the world.
“It all starts on April 12 at York Hall.  Don’t miss it.”

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “One historic venue, two of British boxing’s former world champions and a potential audience of millions on Channel 5, means April 12 has all the ingredients to be yet another special night for Wasserman Boxing.
“Charlie Edwards and Lerrone Richards have been straining at the leash and, next month at York Hall, we let them loose on the rivals who stand between them and making world title history.
“For Edwards, the dream is to become a two-weight champion, while Richards is set on reclaiming the title he didn’t lose in the ring.
“But don’t call it a comeback, Edwards and Richards have been at the top of their game for years, and on April 12 they put the world champions on notice.”

Alex Apetai of Ladbrokes said: “Channel 5 viewers are once again being treated to some of the best in the business next month and, as always, we’re delighted to play a part in proceedings.

“Lerrone Richards will no doubt have one eye on a big British bout later this year,  and will comfortably take to the ring as heavy favourite to beat Steed Woodall, while the future is just as bright for Charlie Edwards.

“Both Richards and Edwards head into their respective fights with 18 wins to their name, each with four at the iconic York Hall. With so many similarities in their careers up to this point, we can’t wait to see who steals the show on April 12.”

LONDON, MARCH 23 – Former flyweight king Charlie Edwards wants to make British boxing history by joining his brother Sunny as a reigning world champion.

The 29-year-old has today signed a promotional deal with Probellum, the fastest growing brand in boxing, and firmly set his sights on winning a world crown at a new weight.

The former WBC flyweight champion is aiming to become a two-weight title holder this year and sit with his brother Sunny, who brilliantly defended his IBF flyweight belt at Probellum Evolution in Dubai on Saturday, at the top of the sport.

The dream for Charlie is that he and Sunny could fight for world titles on the same card and with Probellum’s backing, the Surrey-born stylist knows it will become a reality.

“I’ve been a world champion but now I am focused on creating history and leaving a legacy in this sport,” said Edwards (17-1 , 7KO)

“I want titles at super-flyweight and to move through the weight divisions, it is my intention to go down as one of the greatest fighters in British boxing history and I know Probellum share my vision.

“I have no doubt that they can help Sunny and I realise our dream of winning world titles on the same card to create a landmark moment for boxing in this country.

“I have seen first-hand the work Probellum have done with Sunny and how they are superbly promoting the smaller weights because they know we always deliver, pound-for-pound, some of the best fights in the sport.”

Speaking about the announcement, Probellum President, Richard Schaefer added:“We are delighted to have secured the signing of Charlie Edwards, already a world class fighter who has big plans to become a multi-weight world champion.

“Charlie’s attitude and mindset fits perfectly with Probellum’s whole outlook for boxing and we are going to do everything in our power to help deliver those world title shots for him.

“Probellum is all about breaking new ground in boxing and having Charlie and Sunny fighting for world titles on the same card is exactly the type of historic promotion that we are focused on delivering.”

Edwards won the flyweight title in 2018 when he out-pointed Nicaraguan Cristofer Rosales before making a successful defence of the WBC belt the following year against Spain’s Angel Moreno.

The former Great Britain amateur star decided to vacate his belt in late 2019 but after fighting only twice since 2020, Edwards is ready to kick-start his career under the Probellum banner this year.

To keep up-to-date with Edwards’ fight news, as well all ticket information and future announcements sign up to the Probellum newsletter or follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.? 

Luis Alberto Lopez scored a stunning 7th round stoppage over previously undefeated Isaac Lowe in a IBF Featherweight Elimination bout at York Hall in London.

Just seconds into the fight, Lopez landed a perfect left hook that sent Lowe to the canvas. Later in the round, Lowe landed several hard power shits to get him back into the fight. In round two, Lopez again dropped Lowe, this time from a straight right hand.

In round seven, Lopez landed a hard body shot on the inside the was followed by a couple of head shots that put Lowe down for the count at 2:38.

Lopez, 125 lbs of Mexicali, MEX will now face nrw champion Kiko Martinez with a record of 24-2 with 13 knockouts. Lowe, 125 lbs of England falls to 21-1-3.

Elliot Whale remained undefeated with a six-round decision over Moroslav Serban in a welterweight contest.

Whale, 149.2 lbs of Kent, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is now 5-0. Serbam, 148.7 of the Czech Republic is now 13-8.

Former world champion, Charlie Edwards stopped Jacob Barretto in round two of a scheduled eight-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Barreto began to bleed from his nose.

In round two, Edwards landed a short left hook that snapped Barreto’s head back and folded him to the canvas for the 10-count at 1:35.

Edwards, 118.5 lbs of Surrey, ENG us 17-1 with seven knockouts. Barreto, 119.2 lbs of Santa Cruz, SPA is 13-4.

Inder Singh Bassi won a four-round decision over Vasif Mamedov in a middleweight fight.

In round three, Mamedov began to bleed from his nose.

Bassi, 158 lbs of Essex, ENG won by a 40-36 score and is now 5-1. Mamedov, 161.3 lbs lbs of Perm, RUS is 2-7-2.

Shiloh DeFreitas stopped Dario Boroso in round two of a four-round welterweight bout.

Defreitas landed a hard left to the body that sent Boroso to a knee. Seconds later, it was another thudding left to thebody that put Boroso down and the fight was stopped at 2:26.

Defreitas, 146.7 lbs of London, ENG is 2-0 with two knockouts. Boroso, 146.8 lbs of Croatia is 1-17.

Nina Hughes made successful pro debut with a six-round decision over Claudia Ferenczi in a super bantamweight bout.

Hugues, 120.2 lbs of Essex, ENG won by a 60-54 score and is 1-0. Ferenczi, 120.8 ls of Slovakia is 20-87-6.

‘THE EAGLE’ Charlie Edwards has migrated to Portugal and believes his new nest in the Algarve is the ideal base as he plots his flight to the top of the super-flyweight division.

The former WBC World Flyweight champion Edwards, 28, moved to Vilamoura with his wife Kristin and their baby daughter Sofia last month.

Charlie jumped two weights to Bantamweight for his Queensberry debut last September when he outpointed Kyle Williams but is planning an attack on the 115lb Super-flyweight division when he returns to action.

Charlie said: “This is the first time in 17 years that I have taken two months off completely. It has given me a new drive, new hunger and new ambition.

“I am training now and going to start more boxing training so I can get my flow back.

“This journey is going to excite me even more. Right now, I am in a very good place and I’m looking forward to getting back in.

“My plan is to have a tough ten or twelve rounder for an International title when I return and then kick on.

“I have been back punching, doing little bits, strength work and feel revitalised. I have lost nothing.

“It has been nice to reset myself and move to a country where I feel happy and confident in myself again.

“The plan is to stay here in Portugal. My Missus and I have decided to move the family here. We want our daughter to grow up in a nice environment.

“Becoming a Dad has been challenging. Being locked down in England wasn’t the best thing for us so coming out here has me happy and thriving.

“Once our house has been sorted, which will be sooner rather than later, I can push on with my career.”

Edwards revealed he has left the Steel City gym in Sheffield where he was trained by Grant Smith and will do most of his training in Portugal.

He will either base himself in England or the United States for the final eight weeks of camp.

He explained: “I have a number of ideas and thoughts in my head and I am not going to rush. I have a friend who trains coming out here to get me fight fit.

“I have achieved all that I have set out to achieve on my career bucket list in the UK so I would like to train here, set up my own gym and eight weeks before a fight I may go to America.

“I also have another British coach in mind who I do want to try out in the UK but I don’t want to go into details yet.”

Edwards (16-1, 6KOs) admits he suffered mentally with the stresses of getting down to Flyweight and the Croydon man relinquished his World title shortly after a no-contest against Julio Cesar Martinez in August 2019.

He said: “I have left the dark days behind me. I suffered a little bit especially around the Martinez fight – making Flyweight and putting my health on the line.

“I wasn’t enjoying it and fell into a bit of depression with the boxing side of things through having to make that light weight.

“I came out of the other side and it was still a challenge getting through to my next fight which was my Frank Warren debut.

“I got through that, won every round, jumping two weights to Bantamweight and now I’m in Portugal I feel happy, revitalised and like the old Charlie Edwards where I can dedicate myself.

“When I do get back I will go away, focus and reach the top levels again.”

Josh Taylor stopped Apinun Khongsong in the opening round to defend the IBF/WBA Junior Welterweight titles at York Hall in London.

Taylor landed a perfect left to the ribs that put Khongsgong down for the count at 2:41,

Taylot, 139.25 lbs of Scotland will take on Jose Ramirez for all four title belts at 140 lbs and now has a record of 17-0 with 13 knockouts. Khongsong, 139.5 lbs of Thailans is 16-1.

Taylor said, “One hundred percent, I want Ramirez next. He’s a very good champion, unbeaten like myself, hungry, on top of his game. I thought the {Viktor} Postol fight, it wasn’t a very good performance at all. I do feel he can perform better than that given the circumstances. Again, I wasn’t impressed with what I’ve seen from him. Again, I want that fight now. I believe I’ll whoop his ass all day long. 

“I’ve never seen anything from him that I haven’t seen before, so yeah, I want that fight as soon as possible. Obviously, I know the situation with {Ramirez’s WBO} mandatory, but hopefully, we can sort of get that worked out. I would like, for selfish and personal reasons, to get that fight next. I deserve it. I’ve been in big fight after big fight for my last four fights. Not ducked anyone. Never ducked a tournament like someone else. I’m game. I’ll fight the best whenever they want. To be honest, I would rather wait until the fans are back for that fight. It’s a huge fight. It’s one of the biggest fights at the minute for all the belts.”

Charlie Edwards won a 10-round decision over Kyle Williams in a bantamweight bout.

Edwards, 117.5 lbs won by a 99-91 score and is now 16-1. Williams, 117.25 lbs is 11-3.

Ionut Baluta stopped Davey Oliver Joyce in round three of a scheduled 10-round super bantamweight fight

In round two, Joyce was cut around the right eye. In round three, Baluta dropped Joyce with a hard left hook. Baluta was all over Joyce and the fight was stopped after Joyce are a hard flurry on the ropes at 1:49.

Baluta, 121.25 lbs of Spain us 14-2 with three knockouts. Joyce, 121.25 lbs of Ireland falls to 12-2.

George Davey won a decision over Jeff Thomas in a for-round junior middleweight fight.

Davey, 154.5 lbs won by a 40-36 score and is 3-0. Thomas, 155.5 lbs is 12-8-3.

Ethan James remained undefeated by winning a four-round decision over Kris Pilkington in a super lightweight fight.

James, 141.25 lbs won by a 40-36 score and is now 4-0. Pilkington, 141.25 lbs is now 2-8-1.

(September 17, 2020) — Former flyweight world champion Charlie Edwards will test out the bantamweight waters in a 10-rounder against Kyle Williams on Saturday, Sept. 26 as the co-feature to WBA/IBF junior welterweight world champion Josh Taylor’s title defense against Apinun Khongsong in London. Taylor-Khongsong and Edwards-Williams will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ beginning at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT, with undercard bouts at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT.
 
Edwards (15-1, 1 NC, 6 KOs), from the London borough of Croydon, won the WBC flyweight world title in December 2018 with a one-sided decision over Cristofer Rosales, then defended it three months later with a shutout decision over Angel Moreno. He nearly lost his world title via knockout to Julio Cesar Martinez last August on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Luke Campbell undercard, but the bout was ruled a no contest after Martinez hit Edwards while he was on the canvas. Williams (11-2, 3 KOs) is coming off a split decision defeat last October against an over-the-weight Ionut Baluta for the vacant WBO European bantamweight title.
 
In undercard action on ESPN+:

• Former Irish amateur superstar and 2016 Olympian Davey Oliver Joyce (12-1, 9 KOs) will make the first defense of his WBO European junior featherweight title against Baluta (13-2, 2 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Joyce moved down to junior featherweight following his shocking knockout loss to Leigh Wood last October in a bid for the WBO European featherweight title. In March, Baluta authored one of 2020’s biggest upsets, stunning former junior featherweight world champion TJ Doheny via eight-round unanimous decision.
• Top prospect Willy Hutchinson (12-0, 8 KOs), who notched a first-round KO last month, will face an opponent to be named in a 10-round super middleweight fight.
• Junior middleweight upstart George Davey (2-0) will see action in a four-round bout. The Queensberry Promotions prospect won a pair of Haringey Box Cup titles as an amateur.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to 8.5 million subscribers, offering fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, as well as premium editorial content. 
 
Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) at ESPNplus.com, ESPN.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad-supported) — all for just $12.99/month.
 

JOSH TAYLOR’S World Super-Lightweight title unification clash against Apinun Khongsong has an undercard in place featuring former WBC World Flyweight champion Charlie Edwards.

Title contests featuring Taylor’s fellow Scot Willy Hutchinson and Irishman Davey Oliver Joyce will also take place on Saturday September 26.

IBF and WBA champion Taylor (16-0, 12KOs) had been due to meet Thai Khongsong (16-0, 13KOs), his IBF mandatory challenger in May, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced a delay to his contest against the heavy handed challenger.

The Edinburgh star heads another talent stacked card promoted by Frank Warren for Queensberry Promotions and Bob Arum for Top Rank, with the return of Edwards a big attraction.

Edwards (15-1, 6 KOs) moves up to bantamweight after relinquishing his world crown and faces Wolverhampton’s Kyle Williams (11-2, 3 KOs) in a non-title ten rounder.

It will be his first fight since a no-contest against Julio Cesar Martinez a year ago and his debut under Hall Of Fame promoter Warren who he joined recently.

The Croydon man said: “I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring. It feels like it’s been a long time coming.

“I have had 12 months out, but I have developed more than I did even when I was a world champion.

“My life away from boxing could not be any better. I am settled in a new home, I have got engaged and in January I will become a Dad.

“I have never been in such a good place mentally, physically and emotionally.

“Obviously I am not world class yet at Bantamweight and that might take time, but Kyle is a very decent opponent after so long out.

“I’m looking forward to putting on a show against a great fighter. This fight is a fantastic domestic clash.

“It would be great to have fans there, but I’ve had similar experiences as an amateur. I once boxed in a 30,000 capacity arena in Azerbaijan with 20 people there at a World Championship qualifier.”

Fast emerging Super-Middleweight Hutchinson (11-0, 7 KOS) will challenge for his first professional title with the vacant IBF European crown on the line, should he come through his bout tomorrow night on the undercard of Daniel Dubois vs Ricardo Snijders.

There will be a third title at stake when Joyce (12-1, 9KOs) makes the first defence of his WBO European Super-Bantamweight crown against Spain’s Ionut Baluta (13-2, 2KOs) over ten rounds.

Mullingar’s Joyce won the title in February when he stopped former IBF World Bantamweight champion Lee Haskins in five rounds.

Warren said: “Josh’s fight is a high end world title battle, and yet again we have delivered with brilliant supporting fights.

“I was very excited to sign Charlie who is a fighter I have always rated and enjoyed watching even when he wasn’t on out cards.

“I promised him that he would get the chance to become a two-weight world champion and this is the start of the journey for him. He is coming back at Bantamweight, but he could also do Super-Flyweight if the opportunity came.

“He has mixed with the best in the world and that is where Willy Hutchinson is heading. I have real faith that he will go all the way at Super-Middleweight and become part of Britain’s rich history in the division.

“Everyone at my office has been working hard and I’m delighted with what we’ve delivered for fans on these behind closed doors shows.”

There will also be a four round Super-Welterweight match between York’s George Davey (2-0) and Blackpool veteran Jeff Thomas (12-7-3, 1 KO). Northampton Super-Lightweight Ethan James (3-0) is also in action.

DELIGHTED Hall-Of-Fame promoter Frank Warren has proudly declared that new signing Charlie Edwards can become a three-weight World Champion under his guidance.

In a joint interview, Warren insisted: “I’m sure he can become a double weight world champion, if not a triple weight world champion.”

Listening on, new boy Edwards beamed from ear-to-ear and said “that’s what I like to hear, Frank!”

The pair were speaking to Dev Sahni as part of Queensberry Promotions’ ongoing ‘Lockdown Lowdown’ YouTube series.

Warren was clearly happy with the new addition to his swelling roster of young stars but hinted it had come at a price.

“We fought very hard to get him on board and eventually got a deal done – we’re very pleased.”

Edwards was less shy about what helped get him over the line: “Frank was the top bidder”, he said.

In addition to a healthy pay packet, Charlie revealed Frank’s experience of developing fighters, the lure of BT Sport and fighting on the same shows as his brother Sunny all played a part in influencing his decision.

“I’ve seen how Frank has developed Sunny, from the start and all the way through his career and he’s a big name on BT Sport. I can’t wait to join him.

“It’s good. We can fight on the same shows which i’ve always wanted to do.”

Edwards last bout was in August 2019, after which he relinquished his WBC Flyweight World Title citing increasing difficulties in making the weight.

With a new start ahead of him, he was keen not to dwell on the past.

“It’s a new chapter. It’s good. I’ve put the past behind me. I’ve already won a world title at one weight, and I’m looking forward to becoming a two weight world champion. And what better place than coming on to BT Sport, with my brother!”

Edwards currently holds a #2 World ranking with the WBC at Super-Flyweight, a designation he’s keen to keep hold of, but he has also flirted with the idea of fighting at Bantamweight if the right opportunity arose.

“I can fight between the two. It’ll still be tough to get to the super-flyweight limit, but at world level you’ve got to make sacrifices and go that extra 1 or 2% into the danger zone.”

Acknowledging the difficulties in fighting international opposition during the current crisis, the former World Champion went on to say that he was keen to fight as soon as possible, even behind closed doors, adding “any British Super-flyweight or Bantamweight who wants to get it on, let’s do it.”

Promoter Warren echoed Charlies thoughts and stressed he was keen to get the Croydon man out again this Summer.

“There’s plenty of fights out there for him. We’ll probably get him out sometime in late August,” Warren said. “The name of the game is to keep him busy, let him settle at the weight. He was obviously struggling at flyweight – for guys in the lighter weight divisions, 1 or 2lb can make a tremendous difference.”

“Hopefully now moving up he can be stronger – he obviously did well at flyweight, he won the world title – and i’m sure he can become a double weight world champion if not a triple weight world champion.”‘

FORMER WBC World Flyweight champion Charlie Edwards has signed a multi-fight deal with Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren.

He joins brother Sunny in the Queensberry Promotions camp and believes it’s only a matter of time before ‘The Croydon Klitschkos’ are fighting in world title contests on the same bill.

Edwards, 27, said: “I was with Eddie Hearn for six years and I needed to freshen things up. I feel this is the next chapter of my career.

“I have seen what Frank has done for my brother Sunny. He has done very well for him from the start.

“Frank really looks after his fighters as well. I felt I was taken for granted and I am looking forward to getting started with Frank as my promoter.

“I have chatted to Frank at Sunny’s fights and the timing was right.  My management MTK sorted the deal, my adviser thought it was best for me and the offer is great.”

Edwards (15-1, 6KOs) will be moving up from Flyweight to either Bantamweight or Super-Flyweight where he is ranked number two by the WBC in their world rankings.

Charlie vacated his WBC world crown after being severely weight-drained for his defence against Julio Cesar Martinez last August that ended in a no-contest.

He added: “The next fight is likely to be a gage to see where I’m at regarding my best weight. The main thing is keeping my world ranking at Super-Flyweight for now.

“I look at the Bantamweight champions. I’m not deluded and say,  ‘I’m world level’ at that weight because that would be stupid.

“If I go to Bantamweight I wont be rushing to get in with world level fighters. It will be building up over a few fights.

“I have Frank behind me and he is not going to chuck me in at the deep end. It’s going to be building into the world title picture.”

Edwards insists he is more than happy to box on one of the behind closed doors extravaganzas Warren has planned this summer.

His big hope is to fight on the same bill as his brother Sunny, who also has serious world title aspirations at Super-Flyweight.

Charlie who trains alongside his brother under Grant Smith in Sheffield said: “Just mentioning me and my brother fighting for world titles on the same bill gives a tingle down my spine.

“I did a bucket list some time ago. Sunny and myself fighting on the same show has always been there. That was another thing that made it perfect sense to join Frank because it can happen.

“We still try to outdo each other when we train. That is the beauty of it. We’re brothers, we have ultimate love and want the best for each other.

“We want to beat each other whether we’re sparring or on the track. We have progressed because we always push each other.”

Warren said: “I am absolutely delighted that Charlie has joined our team and we will work out a plan for him to become a two weight world champion.

“We have often spoke at my shows when Sunny has been boxing. We always got on well and shared a joke.

“The two brothers fighting for world titles on the same show isn’t a pipe-dream. We deliver and It is a realistic prospect.”

Charlie turned professional in January 2015. In his fifth fight he won the English Flyweight title against Louis Norman and two fights later added the WBC International Silver championship.

In September 2016 he fell short against high class Filipino John Riel Casimero in a IBF Flyweight title challenge, his only professional defeat.

Seven months later, Edwards outpointed Iain Butcher to become British Super-Flyweight champion, a crown now held by his younger brother, Sunny.

Charlie upset defending champion Cristofer Rosales on points to become WBC Flyweight title holder in December 2018. He made one successful defence three months later in a points decision against Angel Moreno.

——————

Charlies’s first act as a Queensberry fighter was to speak alongside promoter Frank Warren to interviewer Dev Sahni as part of the ongoing Lockdown Lowdown series. That interview can be seen here.

WBC Flyweight champion Charlie Edwards vacated his title after a controversial no-contest with Julio Cesar Martinez.

“Me and my team have decided due to how much I struggled with the weight last time out — it actually scared me about how much I was putting my health on the line — and I can’t risk causing damage to myself as health is the single most important thing in life,” Edwards wrote. “I am gutted because I value being WBC world champion, and [I’m] so proud to be able to be in history as WBC flyweight world champion! The best belt in boxing by far.

“I want to continue to represent the WBC and really want to push on through the [junior bantamweight] rankings and pursue the title! But I wanted to let you know first before anyone else that I will be vacating the [flyweight] title to move up and challenge at the new weight. Thanks so much for everything.”

Vasyl Lomachenko scored a 12-round unanimous decision over Luke Campbell to retain the WBA and WBO and capture the WBC Lightweights at a sold out 02 Arena in London.

Lomachenko hurt Campbell at the enc of round five when he landed a hard left to head that was followed by a perfect left to the body.

In round 11, Lomachenko landed a flurry of punches that was punctuated by a jab that sent Campbell the canvas. Lomachenko sealed the fight when he hurt Campbell in the final round with his patented quick shots that forced Campbell to hold on and eventually throw Lomachenko to be able to survive the round.

Lomachenko of Ukraine won by scores 119-108 twice and 118-109 and is now 14-1. Campbell is 20-3.

Lomachenko outlanded Campbell 207-131.

After a hard-fought battle, this is what Lomachenko, Campbell and Top Rank chairman Bob Arum had to say.

Lomachenko

“Of course I’m happy. I want to say thank you to {everyone} who came to support us. I want to thank everyone who organized this fight. And, of course, I’m happy. Next… {I want to fight for the} IBF {title}. That is my title.”

“In the UK, the fans are the best fans in the world. Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“Of course, I want to fight {for the IBF title}, but it depends on Bob Arum.”

Arum

“Obviously, we’re looking to win the fourth belt to unify the title. But Loma and {manager} Egis {Klimas} have told me they can’t wait to come back to the UK to fight here again.The English fight fans are the best fans in the world.”

“Luke Campbell didn’t disgrace himself. He fought a hell of a fight. He’s a hell of a fighter. Big, big heart, and Luke will be back.”

“Loma is up there with Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao. He belongs with those fighters.”

“Listen, it doesn’t matter. He will fight anyone at featherweight, super featherweight or lightweight. Only the best. He’s a special, special fighter.”

Luke Campbell

“He just beat me, so he’s very good. He’s a special fighter and we all knew he was a special fighter. This is boxing and we train to win. Obviously, I’m disappointed in myself for not getting the victory.

Former world champion Alexander Povetkin won a 12-round unanimous decision over Hughie Fury in a heavyweight bout.

Povetkin was able to turn up a very dull fight in the 2nd half of the contest.

In round nine, Fury began to bleed from the left eye.

Povetkin of Russia won by scores of 117-111 on all cards and is now 35-2. Fury of Manchester, Eng is 23-3.

Julio Cesar Martinez seemingly won the WBC lyweight title with a shocking 3rd round stoppage over reigning champion Charlie Edwards, but after several minutes the bout was overturned after Martinez landed a late-punch

Martinez landed about 10 unanswered blows that sent Edwards to the canvas. Martinez got in one more hard body shot while Edwards was on the canvas, but the referee ruled a knockdown and the bout was stopped at 1:43.

The bout was ruled a no-contest with an immediate rematch

Martinez of Mexico is 14-1.. Edwards is 15-1.

2016 Olympic Bronze Medal winner, Joshua Buatsi stopped Ryan Ford in round seven of a scheduled 10-round light heavyeight bout.

Buatsi hurt Ford in round seven with a clipping left hook. He followed that up with a flurry that was culminated by a body punch that sent Ford down for the count at 1:07.

Buatsi is now 12-0 with 10 knockouts. Ford of Edmonton, CAN is 16-5.

2016 Olympian Joe Cordina won a 12-round unanimous decision over Gavin Gwynne in a British Lightweight Title bout featuring undefeated fighters.

Cordina of Cardiff, Wales won by scores of 116-110 twice and 116-111 and is now 10-0. Gwynne is 11-1.

In a battle of undefeated super middleweights, Savannah Marshall stopped Daniele Bastieri in round five of their scheduled eight-round bout.

Marshall dominated, and in round five she landed a big right hand that dropped Bastieri at the end of the round five. Bastieri, bloodied, got to her feet the bout was stopped at 2:00.

Marshall is now 7-0 with five knockouts. Bastieri of Brazil is 2-1.

Charlie Edwards has promised to deliver a “punch-perfect” display against his Mandatory Challenger Julio Cesar Martinez at The O2 in London this Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK, as he makes the second defence of his WBC Flyweight crown that he landed in Greenwich last year. 

The Surrey star turned on the style as he successfully defended his World title for the first time against Spain’s Angel Moreno at the Copper Box Arena in March, winning every round against his former sparring partner in a dominant display. 

Martinez earned his shot at Edwards’ title by taking out highly-rated Welshman Andrew Selby in five rounds of their Final Eliminator bout in Mexico earlier this year, and ‘El Rey’ has vowed to take the scalp of another Brit in his first professional bout outside of his homeland – but Edwards has other ideas. 

“His style works perfectly for me, it plays into my hands,” said Edwards. “He’s already told me that he’s going to knock me out. But when he doesn’t, things are going to get very tough for him and if he’s coming in with that mentality it shows he’s underrating me already and that’s not a good place to be.

“He can bang, there’s no doubt about it. You can see it just by looking at his record. We saw in his last fight against Andrew Selby that he’s powerful and can be awkward, he can rough you up, but that’s good as he’s going to bring out the best in me. I’m a lot stronger and a lot tougher now. 

“Fitness has never been an issue for me but in his fight against Selby you could tell that he was blowing a little bit and that’s maybe because he puts everything into every shot. It’s about nullifying his ability to punch hard and dragging him into the deep trenches.

“Fitness and rounds are my strongest attributes and I’m ready and looking forward to dragging him deep and for the roles switching, I will bully the bully. I am the WBC World Champion and nobody is beating me. On Saturday I am going to retain my World title with a punch-perfect performance.”

Edwards vs. Martinez features on a huge night of boxing in the Capital. 

At the top of the bill, Olympic Champions Vasiliy Lomachenko (13-1, 10 KOs) and Luke Campbell (20-2, 16 KOs) will clash for the WBC, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine Lightweight World titles, Joe Cordina (9-0, 7 KOs) defends his British and Commonwealth Lightweight titles against Gavin Gwynne (11-0, 1 KO) in a mouth-watering battle of Wales, rising Light-Heavy star Joshua Buatsi (11-0, 9 KOs) defends his WBA International title against Canada’s Ryan Ford (16-4, 11 KOs), James Tennyson (24-3, 20 KOs) and Atif Shafiq (21-2, 5 KOs) meet for the vacant WBA International Lightweight title, Hartlepool star Savannah Marshall (6-0, 4 KOs) makes her highly-anticipated Matchroom Boxing debut, Sheffield amateur standout Dalton Smith (2-0, 1 KO) takes part in his first six round contest and Hull Super-Featherweight prospect Connor Coghill (5-0) lands a dream slot on his former manager’s (Campbell) undercard. 

Charlie Edwards will make the second defence of his WBC Flyweight World title against his Mandatory Challenger Julio Cesar Martinez at The O2 in London on Saturday August 31, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK.

Edwards ripped the WBC 112lbs crown from Cristofer Rosales on an emotional night at The O2 in December, outclassing the Nicaraguan with a masterful display to take a well-earned unanimous decision in his second World title attempt. 

He turned on the style as he successfully defended his World title for the first time against Spain’s Angel Moreno at the Copper Box Arena in March, winning every round against his former sparring partner in a dominant display. 

Martinez, hailing from Mexico City, landed his shot at the coveted green and gold belt by taking out highly-rated Welshman Andrew Selby in five rounds in their Final Eliminator bout earlier this year in March.

It was a first career loss for Selby, who was once regarded by many as one of the brightest prospects in the UK. A brutal left hook liver shot ended proceedings in the fifth session to set up a first World title shot for Martinez. 

Losing on his professional debut in October 2015, ‘El Rey’ has since won fourteen fights on the bounce, scoring eleven knockouts in that impressive run. Halting Selby means no opponent has gone more than six rounds with the 24-year-old since June 2017.

“He’s a very tough Mexican who can bang with both hands,” said Edwards. “His record shows that he’s a massive puncher and we saw that in his last fight against Andrew Selby. He got him out of there in the fifth round and was hurting him on a number of occasions. He’s coming to bring it and he’s going to try and rip that WBC title off me. This is his World Cup final.

“He’s going to put it all on the line. He’s going to be coming hard and fast from early to try and put me under pressure, but I believe my boxing skills and the experience that I’ve gained throughout my short pro career will see me through. I expect to have a punch perfect performance. I believe that he will bring out the very best in me. 

“Timing is everything, I believe this is my era. I have arrived at my destination at the right time and I’m loving the journey. This is another legacy fight for me, and I believe that I will build a great legacy. To fight your Mandatory Challenger on one of the biggest cards in British boxing this year is brilliant because it showcases my skills around the world.” 

“I can’t wait to challenge for the WBC Flyweight World title in London,” said Martinez. “I’ll be taking that famous green and gold belt back to Mexico with me. I have already knocked out one Brit and on August 31 I will make it two.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “This is another great fight added to a brilliant card at The O2. We saw Martinez knock out Andrew Selby recently in his Final Eliminator and he is an aggressive, fearless fighter who will be coming to try and take Charlie’s belt. Charlie is now established as the best 112lb fighter in the World right now and I expect another brilliant performance from him at The O2. This will be a fast paced, explosive fight and there’s still plenty more to come on this card!”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: “Charlie Edwards has been an enthralling success story in British boxing and it’s fantastic to add his next WBC title defence to the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Luke Campbell bill.

“Charlie has grown as a fighter since claiming the WBC belt on that emotional night last December, but Julio Cesar Martinez is a real danger-man as shown in that win over Andrew Selby. 

“We also have Hughie Fury’s heavyweight clash against Alexander Povetkin on an action-packed evening, with more fights to be added before Luke Campbell’s epic World title battle with Lomachenko.”

Watford Bantamweight prospect Shannon Courtenay says her professional debut on the Charlie Edwards vs. Angel Moreno WBC Flyweight World title bill at the Copper Box Arena last month was a valuable learning experience.

‘The Baby Face Assassin’, 25, made a wining start to life in the paid ranks with a unanimous decision over Romania’s Cristina Busuioc and the Adam Booth-managed fighter is excited to step through the ropes for the second time as a professional at The O2 in London on April 20, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

“I actually thought the ref was going to stop it in the first round,” said Courtenay. “Annoyingly, her groin guard came up so high that none of my body shots were getting through. It was protecting her the whole fight so I had to go upstairs and target the head. I was hitting her with some massive shots and her legs were gone but she stayed in there. She wasn’t very good technically but she was tough.

“I stayed calm instead of gassing out going for a big knockout. Obviously it would have been nice to get her out of there but I stayed slick throughout and got the win which was the main thing. I didn’t try and rush a knockout and make myself look bad in doing so. I feel like I put on a good performance and my team were happy with me.

“I really enjoyed the whole experience of making my debut on such a big show. I took everything in my stride, the public workout, the press conference and the weigh-in. To make my debut in front of thousands of people in the arena and even more people watching on TV around the world was special. It gave me a taste of what it’s like to operate at the top of the sport and I’m hungry for more.”

The former Finchley ABC star has been overwhelmed with the support she has received since making her debut and hopes to continue her incredible journey with another big win next week on a huge card that features her gym mate Josh Kelly making his long-awaited return to the ring.

“We’ve worked on a couple of new things that you’ll definitely see on April 20,” added Courtenay. “I’ve tweaked a few things and made them better. Training has gone really well, sparring has gone brilliantly as well so I’m really excited to put on a big performance.

“I’d like to have another three or four fights by the end of the year. I want to stay as active as possible and then see what happens at the end of the year. Maybe after seven or eight fights we can start looking at titles but right now I’m just looking at April 20, nothing else is coming into my head.

“Since my debut the support has been crazy. Every day I get hundreds of messages from people telling me that I’m an inspiration to them and it’s amazing to know that my story is making a difference to people.

“I just want to keep on pushing forward with that momentum. I wouldn’t say that I’m an inspirational person but people can obviously relate to my story. It’s never too late to make a change and improve your life.”

Courtenay makes her second outing on a huge night of boxing in the Capital.

At the top of the bill, Doncaster fan favourite Dave Allen (16-4-2, 13 KOs) faces the biggest night of his career against Australia’s former WBA Heavyweight World Champion Lucas Browne (28-1, 14 KOs) and Derek Chisora (29-9, 21 KOs) clashes with Senad Gashi (17-2, 17 KOs) in his first fight under new trainer Dave Coldwell.

Sunderland’s ‘Pretty Boy’ Josh Kelly (8-0, 6 KOs) takes on the toughest opponent of his career to date in the form of unbeaten 17-0 Pole Przemyslaw Runowski and Ilford Welterweight prospect Conor Benn (13-0, 9 KOs) makes his long-awaited return to the ring following a hand injury that has kept him out of action since his first title win over Cedrick Peynaud in July and Brooklyn Middleweight prospect Nikita Ababiy (3-0, 3 KOs) makes his UK debut.

Charlie Edwards retained the WBC Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Angel Moreno at The Copper Box Arena in London.

Edwards won by scores of 120-107 on all cards and is now 15-1. Moreno is 19-3-2.

Joshua Buatsi remained undefeated by stopping Liam Conroy in round three of a scheduled 12-round light heavyweight bout.

In round three, Buatsi landed a big right hook and then a left as Conroy was falling to the canvas. Conroy was hurt, and then ate a huge right hand that put him down for a 2nd time. Conroy was able to beat the count, but the fight was stopped at 1:53.

Buatsi, 173.4 lbs is 10-0 with eight knockouts. Conroy, 173.6 lbs is 16-4-1.

Lewis Ritson won a 10-round unanimous decision pver German Argentino Benitez in a junior welterweight bout.

Benitez was bleeding from his nose in round four.

Ritson, 139.4 lbs of New Castle, UK won by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 twice, and is now 18-1. Benitez, 139.4 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 21-4.

Lawrence Okolie stopped Wadi Camacho in round four of their scheduled 10-round cruiserweight bout.

Okolie dropped Camacho in round four with a three-punch combination. Seconds later, Okolie landed a big shot, and the fight was stopped at 2:00.

Okolie is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Camacho is 21-8.

Charlie Edwards says a domestic blockbuster with British rival Kal Yafai is “on the radar”, but he must first have to overcome former sparring partner Angel Moreno when he defends his WBC Flyweight World title for the first time at the Copper Box Arena this Saturday, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The 25-year-old stepped down a division to claim the WBC crown with a classy points win over Cristofer Rosales at The O2 in December and has already expressed his desire to become an “all-time British great” by winning World titles in multiple weight divisions.

Edwards remains willing to settle his long-standing feud with 25-0 Yafai, who holds the WBA Super-Flyweight World title, although he has questioned whether the Birmingham man is willing to accept the fight.

“He’s on the radar, 100 per cent,” said Edwards. “It could be next, because I would have it next, but I know he won’t, so it probably won’t be next. I don’t think he wants to entertain me at all. He made that pretty clear during the year when I was trying to call for the fight.
“I’m focusing on my own path. These big fights will come now I have a World title and when they do I’ll be ready. I’m ready now to fight anyone and everyone. I’m ready to build a legacy, and have proper fights. To become a British great I’ll have to win World titles at multiple weights, and that’s exactly what I’ll do.

“When I moved down to Flyweight, I stated to Eddie, I’m ready for anyone and everyone, and that’s why he gave me the No 1 Flyweight in the division, and I went and did the performance that I did, and now I’m the No 1. I know I possess the self-belief and skill to become a World Champion in the Super-Flyweight division.”

Edwards vs. Moreno tops a huge night of action at the Copper Box Arena.

Rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi takes on former English Champion Liam Conroy for the vacant British title in his tenth fight.

London Cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho collide with the British and Cruiserweight titles on the line.

Geordie ace Lewis Ritson makes his debut at 140lbs as he takes on Argentina’s German Argentino Benitez for the WBA Inter-Continental title.

Undefeated Irish Middleweight talent Jason Quigley fights for the first time as a pro in the UK, Watford Bantamweight talent Shannon Courtenay makes her highly-anticipated professional debut and Newport Bantamweight talent Sean McGoldrick fights for the first time under new trainer Jamie Moore.

Angel Moreno has vowed to follow in the footsteps of his compatriots Kiko Martinez and Gabriel Campillo by becoming Spain’s next World Champion when he clashes with Charlie Edwards for the WBC Flyweight crown at London’s Copper Box Arena on March 23, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Spanish fighters have enjoyed recent success against Brits, with Bilbao’s Kerman Lejarraga blitzing Bradley Skeete in two rounds to claim the European Welterweight title before stopping Frankie Gavin in four rounds, and Torrelavega’s European Super-Welterweight champ Sergio Garcia outclassing Ted Cheeseman at The O2 last month.

Moreno, promoted by former Middleweight king Sergio Martinez, has only lost twice in a 23-fight career and has never been stopped. Hailing from Madrid, ‘Golden Boy’ has fought the majority of his career on home soil but insists he will not be intimidated by his former sparring partner’s home crowd.

“I am not going to London for a holiday,” said Moreno. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime for me. We know each other very well having sparred on two occasions in the past. We’ve shared many rounds together and I think he knows that I will be too strong for him on the night. If his team thinks that this fight will be an easy defence for Charlie, they are very wrong.

“I will follow the way of Sergio Garcia and Kerman Lejarraga. I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from my stablemate’s victory at The O2 last month and I’ll make Spain proud again when I lift the green belt above my head. Spanish boxing is in a very healthy position at the moment and it will be an honour to become my country’s next World Champion.

“I am not scared about the hostile atmosphere that will greet me in London. I have fought away from home in Ukraine and France, and I am a 36 years old man. I believe that my experience will show in the ring. I had plenty of notice for this fight and I’ve enjoyed the best and most productive training camp of my career. Do not be surprised when I beat Charlie.”

Edwards vs. Moreno tops a huge night of action at the Copper Box Arena.

Rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi takes on former English Champion Liam Conroy for the vacant British title in his tenth fight.

London Cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho collide with the British and Cruiserweight titles on the line.

Geordie ace Lewis Ritson makes his debut at 140lbs as he takes on Argentina’s German Argentino Benitez for the WBA Inter-Continental title.

Undefeated Irish Middleweight talent Jason Quigley fights for the first time as a pro in the UK, Watford Bantamweight talent Shannon Courtenay makes her highly-anticipated professional debut and Newport Bantamweight talent Sean McGoldrick fights for the first time under new trainer Jamie Moore.

Undefeated Middleweight talent Jason Quigley has been added to the undercard of Charlie Edward’s maiden WBC Flyweight World title defence against Angel Moreno at London’s Copper Box Arena on March 23, screened live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The Dominic Ingle-trained fighter, based in Sheffield, makes his first appearance in the UK as a professional on a stacked card that features former Olympians Joshua Buatsi and Lawrence Okolie in title action, as well as the return of Newcastle powerhouse Lewis Ritson.

A highly-touted former Irish amateur star, Quigley holds a perfect record of 15 wins from 15 fights, with 11 of those wins coming by knockout, since turning over in 2014 and is expected to do big things in the pro game.

From County Donegal, Quigley, the current NABF Middleweight Champion, is delighted to be fighting so close to home after basing himself in America for the early part of his pro career.

“I’m excited to make my UK debut in London,” said Quigley. “I know my fans at home are going to be thrilled that they have a short distance to travel for this one. It’s great to get a chance to fight in London and fight so close to home for me. I’m very grateful to Golden Boy Promotions and Matchroom Boxing for working together to give me the chance to fight on this show.”

Quigley features on a huge night of boxing at the Copper Box Arena.

Main event sees Croydon’s Charlie Edwards make the first defence of his WBC Flyweight World title against Spain’s Angel Moreno.

Rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi takes on former English Champion Liam Conroy for the vacant British title in his tenth fight.

London Cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho collide with the British and Cruiserweight titles on the line.

Geordie ace Lewis Ritson makes his debut at 140lbs as he takes on Argentina’s German Argentino Benitez for the WBA Inter-Continental title.

Watford Bantamweight talent Shannon Courtenay makes her highly-anticipated professional debut and Newport Bantamweight talent Sean McGoldrick fights for the first time under new trainer Jamie Moore.

Charlie Edwards admits his ultimate ambition is to become “an all-time great in British boxing” as he begins his WBC World title reign against Spain’s Angel Moreno at London’s Copper Box Arena on March 23, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

The 25-year-old Croydon talent is thrilled to be making the first defence of his Flyweight crown at the top of a stacked card featuring rising Light-Heavy star Joshua Buasti battling for the British title against Liam Conroy and Cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho colliding for the British and Commonwealth straps.

“Headlining my own show is a dream come true in itself,” said Edwards. “I’m incredibly thankful to Eddie Hearn and Adam Smith for giving me this opportunity. There’s some great fighters and matchups on my undercard. I feel really luck and blessed. I’ve also got former GB teammates on the show as well. There’s something for everyone so it can’t disappoint.

Edwards ripped the famous green belt from Cristofer Rosales on an emotional night at The O2 in London in December, outclassing the Nicaraguan with a masterful display to take a well-earned unanimous decision.

Now he is eager to start the next chapter of his career, setting himself the target of winning a World title at another weight class, with potential World title clashes with British rival Kal Yafai and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai laying ahead at Super-Flyweight.

“First and foremost, I’ve got to focus 100% on Angel Moreno, he’s a top-class operator and a hard fight. He’s a very tough and game fighter who will be coming to steal my title from me. He’s a mature man and he doesn’t shy away from any opportunities. We’ve sparred 24 rounds together and on the night it’s going to heat up nicely.

“But I believe, and I’ll put it out there, this is my time. Timing is everything and it’s all come right. All the other fights, they will unfold in the future. I’m ready now to fight anyone and everyone. I’m in this game to build a legacy. I don’t want to pick and choose my opponents.

“I want to be a British great, and to be a British great I want to be a multi-weight World Champion, and this new book, it starts now. The hard work really starts now, and it’s about dedicating myself. I’m obsessed with the game, obsessed with getting better, day in, day out. I want to be known as an all-time great in British boxing.”

Edwards vs. Moreno tops a huge night of boxing at the Copper Box Arena.

Rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi takes on former English Champion Liam Conroy for the vacant British title in his tenth fight.

London Cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho collide with the British and Cruiserweight titles on the line.

Watford Bantamweight talent Shannon Courtenay makes her highly-anticipated professional debut.

Lewis Ritson makes his eagerly-anticipated return to the ring after suffering a first career loss to Francesco Patera last October and Newport Bantamweight talent Sean McGoldrick fights for the first time under new trainer Jamie Moore.

Eddie Hearn:

“Good afternoon everyone. Thanks for coming out today. This is our first press conference for our big March 23 show at the Copper Box Arena, live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

“We’re coming off the back of a great night, but also a disappointing night at The O2. We talk about the new era of stars coming through in British boxing and one of those stepped up on Saturday night, he wasn’t good enough and might not have been ready but he took the challenge and came up short against a very good champion in Sergio Garcia.

“I’m delighted to welcome Maravillabox Promotions back to the UK, who of course represent Angel Moreno who will be challenging Charlie Edwards for the WBC Flyweight World title. It’s a packed card with a World Championship, three British title fights as well, professional debuts, and young prospects looking to push on.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing:

“I agree with Eddie. The night at The O2 wasn’t quite what we wanted but how brave was Ted Cheeseman and what a find in Sergio Garcia, a terrific performance. What a fantastic card this is on March 23 at the Copper Box Arena. It really is a stellar night. We’ve got the one in Liverpool the week after as well but I think this one has got something for absolutely everybody.

“It’s terrific to see Charlie Edwards defending his World title for the first time against Angel Moreno. What a brilliant story Charlie has had. He’s showed that if you fail once, you can come back and rebuild and believe. The passion he showed, the emotional scenes afterwards in the ring were incredible and then he he joined us on Saturday night as a pundit on Sky Sports and he did very well – it was a breath of fresh air.

“There’s three terrific British title fights on the show, a real step up for Joshua Buatsi against Liam Conroy, I’m very excited to see how ‘JB’ gets on. Lawrence Okolie back again, it’s great to see him back so quickly against Wadi Camacho, it’s going to be a really good fun build up there and hopefully a great fight. Lewis Ritson, who’s not with us, terrific value for money every single time, he’s got to prove himself again after not quite making it at European level but he’s got a very exciting fight against Andy Townend – that should be all action. It’s going to be a really good show and well done to Eddie for putting it together.”

Charlie Edwards – Croydon, England – 14-1, 6 KO’s – making the first defence of his WBC Flyweight World title against Angel Moreno:

“First and foremost I want to say a big thank you to Eddie Hearn for believing in me and a big thank you to Adam Smith for letting me headline my own show. This is a dream come true in itself. And not only that, I’m headlining my own show but I’ve got some great fighters and great former teammates on the card as well. I feel really lucky and blessed.
“I want to be a British great, and to be a British great I want to be a multi-weight World Champion, and this new book, it starts now.

“The hard work really starts now, and it’s about dedicating myself. I’m obsessed with the game, obsessed with getting better, day in, day out.

“I want to go down as a great, and this first defence is going to be a really good one. I’m really looking forward, and excited about this fight. Angel Moreno is a very good fighter.

“First and foremost, I’ve got to focus 100 per cent on Angel Moreno, he’s a top-class operator and a hard fight. But I believe, and I’ll put it out there, this is my time. Timing is everything and it’s all come right.

“All the other fights, they will unfold in the future. I’m ready now to fight anyone and everyone. I’m in this sport not to pick and choose my opponents. I just want to build a legacy, and I want to be known as an all-time great in British boxing.”

Angel Moreno – Madrid, Spain – 19-2-2, 6 KO’s – challenging Charlie Edwards for the WBC Flyweight World title:

“Thank you very much. This is a great opportunity to come here and challenge Charlie for his World title. Charlie is a great boxer and anything can happen on the night.

“I don’t think that Sergio Garcia’s win against Ted Cheeseman was any surprise. He is a great boxer and he deserved the victory. I will certainly look to take inspiration from that.”

Grant Smith, trainer of Charlie Edwards:

“It was a brilliant night. My first World Champion. On a big scene like that. It was absolutely brilliant. I knew how much it meant to Charlie and his whole team. It was so emotional for us all. We still speak about it now. It was just absolutely brilliant for us all. I knew he could do that.

“He was straight back in the gym after Christmas and straight back on it. You can’t keep him out of the gym. Charlie has got a lot of desire already but to keep the fire burning what do you do? Add fuel.”

Joshua Buatsi – Croydon, England – 9-0, 7 KO’s – fighting Liam Conroy for the vacant British Light-Heavyweight title:

“I’d like to congratulate Shannon for turning professional and making her debut on March 23. We must congratulate this man to my left Charlie Edwards for wining the World title. Again, it’s not about the opponent. It’s a title that I want to win, it’s part of the journey that I’m taking. Conroy is the man that’s been put forward and on March 23 it’s going to happen. I’ll be doing everything within my will and my power to win that title.

“I’ve been putting in the work in the gym and I’ve been getting sparring that’s been more than ten rounds. I’ve been putting in the work physically and mentally and as my trainer will say, as the runs go on I get better and better. They might think that I’ve only done three one rounders but that’s cool, I’ll be prepared, I’ll be there from one to twelve so whichever number it is, if I see the opening I’ll take it. If it’s the first round it’s the first round. Don’t be surprised it it’s the first, it could happen again.

Liam Conroy – Barrow In Furness, England – 16-3-1, 8 KO’s – fighting Joshua Buatsi for the vacant British Light-Heavyweight title:

“This is a massive fight but I think it’s been a long time coming. I won my British title fight eliminator in 2017 and I’ve just been working relentlessly since. This has always been my goal. I’m just dead grateful for being on the show. I’d like to thank Matchroom for putting on the show against Buatsi, but it’s not about the opponent, it’s about my journey and the British title is my dream so I’m going to give it everything that I can and keep on going relentlessly till the final bell. I won’t stop until I have that belt.

“Like I say, it wasn’t about the opponent, it was about the title and I think no matter who the opponent was I would have taken the fight. People seem to think that I’ve been given something here, being in this fight but I haven’t been given anything. I’ve kicked down all of these doors and I’ve made myself mandatory challenger to the British title.

Lawrence Okolie – Hackney, England – 11-0, 8 KO’s – fighting Wadi Camacho for the British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight titles:

“For me, Saturday wasn’t really about the guy I was boxing. It was about myself and how I felt in the ring, if I could I do stuff that I’d practiced in training. I was able to do a few of those things that I’d practiced in the gym and I look forward to doing the same again on March 23.

“Obviously it’s good that Wadi has taken the fight but him along with most of the people in my weight class in Britain just like to talk online and it is obviously frustrating for me. On March 23 I will demonstrate to him and all of the other Cruiserweights in Britain what I’m about. I think stopping Wadi is a formality for me. He’s got the sort of style that will leave him open to me knocking him out. I want to do it in a more systematic way. Maybe go in southpaw and practice different pattern movements. I want to go in there and show him that he’s a practice fight for me as opposed to a 50-50 fight.

“This fight will definitely end in a knockout. Wadi is a southpaw so it’s very good practice for stepping up to the Lebedevs and other World level guys. I’m very happy with the fight and happy with where I’m at mentally. I’m not overlooking Wadi, I’m going to train extremely hard for him and deal with him accordingly.

Wadi Camacho – Canning Town, England – 21-7, 12 KO’s – fighting Lawrence Okolie for the British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight titles:

“Good afternoon everyone. The mind is very powerful. I used to do a lot of things by myself but now I’ve got a great team around me that have really pushed me and I truly believe in myself. I feel like I have been reborn in my last two fights. I’m constantly improving and on March 23 everyone will get to see another win.

“You have to give Lawrence props. He’s come from Team GB and had 11 fights and picked up all of these belts. In some fights he hasn’t been good but I’m not there to pay attention to what he’s done and what he’s doing. It’s all about me. Everyone knows that I’m an awkward fighter and everyone knows that I’m an entertaining fighter – I’ve never been in a dull fight. I always give it my all.

“I think I’m just going to combine all of my skills together on March 23 and everyone will see. I’m just growing in confidence and nobody has seen the best of me yet. You will see it on March 23.”

Shannon Courtenay – Watford, England – making her professional debut in a 4 round Bantamweight contest:

“I’m more than ready for my pro debut on March 23. There’s been a lot of people asking when my pro debut Is going to be and I’m just ready to put on a good show. Women’s boxing has completely changed over the past few years, it’s getting bigger and bigger, that’s why I’ve turned professional now. It’s only right that I strike while the iron is hot. I’m ready to put my own name out there, not just in women’s professional boxing but all of professional boxing. I want to make a big name for myself.”

Charlie Edwards will make the first defence of his WBC Flyweight World title against Angel Moreno on a huge night of boxing in the capital at the Copper Box Arena on March 23, live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Edwards ripped the famous green belt from Cristofer Rosales on an emotional night at The O2 in London in December, outclassing the Nicaraguan with a masterful display to take a well-earned unanimous decision.

The Croydon man, having lost out in his first bid for World honours against John Riel Casimero in 2016, was overcome with joy after fulfilling his childhood dream, and is excited to begin life as a World Champion against Spain’s Moreno.

“Moreno is a very tough and game fighter,” said Edwards. “He’s a mature man and he doesn’t shy away from any opportunities, he’s going to come to try and steal my title from me. This is a fight that I’m very confident of winning and a fight that I can look really good in. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring with him, I sparred him ahead of the Casimero fight but I’m a completely different animal now.

“This is only the beginning, this is a new chapter in my career and this is where the real hard work starts. I want to be an active World Champion, I want to be in the ring fighting and getting better and pushing myself. I’m not in this game to take part, I want to be a multi-weight World Champion. I look forward to taking my first steps as a World Champion and defending my belt on March 23.”

Croydon’s fast-rising Light-Heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi takes a significant step up when he takes on the inform Liam Conroy for the vacant British title in just his tenth fight. Buatsi blasted out Renold Quinlan at The O2 in December to bring up his third successive stoppage win inside the opening round, but ‘JB’ expects a tougher night against former English Champion Conroy.

“This is a good benchmark to see where I’m at,” said Buatsi. “My team see me day in day out in the gym and this is the title they feel I’m ready for. Liam has won his last five fights by knockout and he’ll be heading into the fight full of confidence.

“There’s a good title at stake and he knows there’s a big reward if he beats me. For me, it’s a big stepping stone and another box to tick on my way to the top. This is an important fight for my career and I need to get the belt to move on.”

“I believe I can overpower him,” said Conroy. “I don’t believe he’s been in a situation as a professional in which someone can overpower him. I also don’t think he’s been in with anyone who can take what he’s got to give, which I will be able to.

“There’s plenty of hype around him but he deserves it because he trains hard and has already proved himself at the Olympics. I haven’t got the name he’s got but I’m looking to change that come fight night.

Cruiserweight rivals Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho finally get it on in an all London affair, with the British and Commonwealth titles on the line. ‘The Sauce’ picked up the Lonsdale belt against Matty Askin at Wembley Stadium and puts his title on the line for the first time against the Canning Town ‘Machoman’.

Lewis Ritson defends his British Lightweight title against ‘The KO Kid’ Andy Townend in a guaranteed barnburner. The Geordie favourite is determined to return to winning ways after suffering the first loss of his career at the hands of Francesco Patera in October.

“This is a great show,” said Eddie Hearn. “A new hero of British boxing defending his World title in Charlie Edwards, with three brilliant British title clashes on the undercard. Everybody resonated with the story of Charlie Edwards after his memorable performance at The O2 in December. He makes his first defence of his title against seasoned pro Angel Moreno.

“Joshua Buatsi fights for the British title against the inform Liam Conroy, which is a significant step up. Lawrence Okolie finally gets the chance to fight Wadi Camacho for the British and Commonwealth titles after the all of the bad blood. Lewis Ritson returns from his disappointing defeat to defend his British title against big-punching Andy Townsend in what will be a brutal shootout, and there’s plenty more to be added to this stacked card.”

Ticket details will be announced soon.

Charlie Edwards will challenge Cristofer Rosales for the WBC World Flyweight Championship on the undercard of Dillian Whyte vs. Derek Chisora 2 at The O2 in London on December 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the US.

Edwards has already challenged for a World title when he met John Riel Casimero for the IBF Flyweight crown, gamely taking the talented Filipino ten rounds in London in September 2016. The 25-year-old has racked up five straight wins since his first professional defeat and is ready to seize his second shot at World title glory.

Powerful Nicaraguan Roasales stopped Daigo Higa to claim the vacant WBC World title in Japan before destroying hometown hero Paddy Barnes in four rounds at Windsor Park in August, and now the 24-year-old plans on silencing The O2 by delivering another devastating performance on December 22.

“I’m delighted to get a shot at the WBC World Flyweight title and I won’t be wasting this opportunity,” said Edwards. “I’ve come on a lot since the Casimero defeat and I’ll show that on December 22 by taking the WBC Flyweight World title home with me.

“I’ve mixed it with a two-weight, legit World champion and it’s done me the World of good. I’ve come on in leaps and bounds since then and I can’t wait to step up to that level again.

“Rosales is a tough man but he’s beatable and we’re already working on a game-plan. I’m heading into this fight with the experience of already challenging for a World title and that will benefit me greatly.

“My first shot at a World title was a huge gamble but this time I’m ready and I’ll be bringing that belt home with me. I’m in this sport to take on the best and December 22 will be my first World title win of many.”

“This is a great fight and huge opportunity for Charlie to win the WBC title,” said Eddie Hearn. “We saw Rosales’ devastating KO over Paddy Barnes this summer and he has become an impressive Champion. Charlie will have the London crowd behind him as he looks to make history on a huge night of boxing.”

Tickets for Whyte vs. Chisora 2 are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200, £300 and £600 (Inner Ring VIP)

General Sale tickets are available to purchase from StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk), The O2 (www.theo2.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com)