Boxer Charlie Edwards has revealed his upset at being released from the GB Boxing programme, but insists it has prepared him well for the future.
The 21-year-old has been in the programme for four years and has won two national titles and a bronze European medal during his time there.
The Croydon-based boxer admits leaving the programme was emotional, but he holds nothing but praise for the national set-up.
“It is sad to be leaving them, but I’ve got to take that step,” he said.
“I can’t thank them enough, the facilities I used and the support I had was the best I’ve ever had.”
Although he will no longer compete under the programme, Edwards still has three months remaining on his GB contract, so has plenty of time to decide his future.
“I went to the Commonwealth Games and represented England, I know I didn’t medal, but that was an international tournament fighting the best of the best.”
“There’s no rush, I’ve got three months to see what’s about, what paths I could take,” he said.
“It’s a big step to have a change but it’s all exciting. Now, it’s like a new lease of life.”
After a successful 2011, which saw Edwards win an ABA title and his European bronze medal, the flyweight then missed out on qualifying for London 2012.
Earlier this year, he retained that ABA title but was unable to medal when he represented England at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Despite not competing at the Olympics, the biggest tournament in amateur boxing, Edwards is proud of his successes and feels he ended his amateur career on a high.
“I’ve finished on top of English boxing, I’ve finished as national champion,” he said.
“I went to the Commonwealth Games and represented England, I know I didn’t medal, but that was an international tournament fighting the best of the best.”
Although he will miss training at GB’s state-of-the-art facility in Sheffield, Edwards will miss the close relationships he had with his teammates and coaches even more.
“The trainers and coaches are like family, they’re like father figures to me,” he said.
“All the boys on the squad are like my brothers, they’re friends for life.
“Boxing’s the serious bit but when we’re not in the gym it’s like being at school still, we were always having a laugh. I’m going to miss that.”
After being surrounded by what he calls the “right people” while at GB, Edwards states he would make sure he does the same if here were to make the decision to turn professional.
For now, he is training with Brian O’Shaughnessy at his gym in Canning Town, London.
Feature image courtesy of Stefan Johnson
