Charlie Edwards enters as challenger for Thomas Essomba’s EBU bantamweight belt
Charlie Edwards (right) tags Luke Wilton. Photo: Matchroom Boxing
Thomas Essomba who was fighting for the European bantamweight was expected to face Paul Butler which is mandatory in the next. There was actually a fundraiser scheduled for tomorrow.
However, an agreement was made for Essomba to voluntarily defend his title against former WBC flyweight champion Charlie Edwards at a venue to be decided in the UK on September 13.
The winner must face two-time world champion Butler next.
Hard luck Essomba (13-8-1, 4 knockouts) finally caught a break when he shocked Alessio Lorusso (UD 12) in Monza, Italy last May.
Previously, the Cameroon-born, UK-based fighter who turned professional in 2009, put up impressive efforts against several title contenders including former world champion Jay Harris (L UD 12), undefeated Kyle Williams (L SD 10 ). ), Lee McGregor (L TKO 12) former IBF flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (UD 12), who is also Charlie’s younger brother.
But despite the defeat, the 36-year-old southpaw remained a tough proposition and upset Louis Norman (KO 6) and took the unbeaten records of Sean McGoldrick (UD 10) and Iskander Kharsan (TKO 3). His big break came when he bested Lorusso to take the EBU title and has since defended his title against Elie Konko (SD 12).
Edwards (19-1, 7 KOs)’s early form is not very crowded. He was in Team GB and represented England at the 2011 and 2013 World Championships, the 2013 European Championships and the 2014 Commonwealth Games before turning professional in 2015.
The Brit has won eight titles and on the undercard of Gennadiy Golokin-Kell Brook he met IBF flyweight king John Riel Casimero. The opportunity came soon and he was stopped by the Filipino in 10 rounds.
Two years and five wins later, Edwards faced Cristofer Rosales for the WBC title. He boxed brilliantly and claimed the title by unanimous decision over 12 rounds. After one successful defense he is looking to defend his belt against the marauding powerhouse Julio Cesar Martinez. The Mexican shot while Edwards was down and the fight was declared a no contest.
The fight to make 112 pounds was too much and Edwards vacated the title and moved up in weight. Things did not go according to plan and for several reasons Edward fought just four times in the next 5 years. The 31-year-old most recently beat Georges Ory (UD 10) in April and now seems to be getting work and opportunities.
This looks like a great fight between two fighters who have had their struggles and will want to win and move forward with their respective careers. With both men in their 30s, it’s a fight you can’t afford to lose.
Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at [email protected].
