Charlie Edwards is willing to take a step back in order to make a leap forward as he prepares for his first British title fight this Saturday.
The Croydon boxer began his professional career at lightning speed, fighting for IBF Flyweight World Title last year in what was only his ninth fight.
But defeat to John Riel Casimero showed he pushed too far too quickly and now he wants to go a little slower, starting by taking on Iain Butcher for the British Super-Flyweight title this weekend.
“I’m not in a rush anymore,” said the 24-year-old.
“I’ve tried to rush my career before and now it’s time to take a backwards step, slow down a little bit, really learn and develop as a fighter.
“My goal and my focus is to win this British title and defend it three times, win it outright. I’d love to do that.
“It’s every fighter’s dream to win the British title outright.
“It’s all about going one stage at a time, go through the route that every fighter should go through and take it step by step.
“Why would I jump straight back in for a world shot?
“I’m still young. I’m only a baby and I don’t want to miss all those pay days out defending the title, or miss out having a longer career because I’ll be in those harder fights.
“The harder fights will come later on down the line and I know as long as I keep progressing and taking those steps up the ladder, listening to the right people, it’s going to be a great journey.”
Since just before Christmas Edwards has been training under the tutelage of Adam Booth and remains calm ahead of the fight at Glasgow’s SSE Arena.
“We’ll fly in on Thursday, get the job done, and fly out,” he said.
Edwards’ challenge against Butcher comes on the undercard of Ricky Burns’ Super-Lightweight World Title unification against Julius Indongo.
