Flyweight boxer Charlie Edwards has signed a professional deal with Matchroom Boxing, it was announced today.
The Croydon-based fighter will make his debut at the O2 Arena on 31 January and is penciled in to fight five times between then and April.
Speaking to South West Londoner, Edwards highlighted the confidence his promoter Eddie Hearn already has in him.
“Eddie said he would put me in for the English title in my first fight,” he said.
“He knows I’m capable of it and he knows I would probably win, but obviously it’s the pros so you need to experience what it’s like, the longer rounds, being able to pace yourself,” he said.
“The division’s open for me. The British and European champion is Kevin Satchell and I’d fight him tomorrow.”
If those first five fights go to plan, Edwards explained that Hearn will attempt to make a fight with Satchell for those titles and it is opportunities such as that which attracted Edwards to Matchroom.
“I chose Matchroom because they’ve taken over boxing,” he added.
“They’ve got the Sky Sports deal and if you want to get up there to stardom, that’s the way to do it. Sky Sports is major, everyone who loves their sport has it. It publicises you so well.
“I wanted to go with Matchroom all along, I went for a meeting with Frank Warren but I didn’t want to sign with him. Me, my dad and my management team all wanted to go with Matchroom for the big shows.
“Eddie Hearn’s done it with so many fighters and looks after them, he treats them like they’re his kids.”
Edwards was released from the GB Boxing programme in October after spending four years in the scheme, winning two national titles and a European bronze medal in that time.
He revealed it was always his intention to turn professional after leaving the amateur programme and is looking forward to starting his journey in the paid ranks next month.
He said: “I can’t wait to get in there, get the ball rolling, then dominate the flyweight division and move up to super-flyweight, even bantamweight.
“I’ve got a long career ahead of me so I just want to get in there and do the business and show everyone what I’m capable of.
“It’s all good talking but I want to prove that I’m the next big thing.”
Feature image courtesy of Stefan Johnson, with thanks
