Charlie Edwards faces the biggest fight of his flourishing career tomorrow, but is adamant there will be no derailing of his unbeaten professional record.
After an impressive breakthrough year which saw the Croydon fighter successfully defend his English flyweight title, he faces the experienced Luke Wilton at Manchester Arena.
The fight is on the undercard of the world super bantamweight title showdown between Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg and, with eyes on a future world title of his own, the 23-year-old expects to reap the rewards of an intense training schedule that has seen him move to Marbella in Spain.
“I don’t like to put predictions on things but I know if my game plan comes off we’ll be having a good night,” said Edwards.
“I know for a fact I’ve trained so hard this camp and I’ve done everything I can so I will win the fight on Saturday.
“Although it’s Marbella, I’m putting in 100 per cent out here, not out partying, not out doing anything silly which people may perceive Marbella as a place where that can happen.
“It’s good for me because the food’s great, the weather’s great and it helps with making my weight.
“I don’t have to wear sweat suits, I don’t have to do anything. I just live a professional life.”
SMILING NOW: Luke Wilton and Charlie Edwards, right, face off before tomorrow’s fight
With six wins from six fights since turning professional in 2014, Edwards realises he faces a step up in class against Wilton, who fought and lost on points to Kevin Satchell for the British title in 2013.
He’s won 16 of his 21 fights but hasn’t fought since beating Stefan Slavchev in May 2014, so ring rust could prove an issue.
Edwards though won’t be relying on a knock-out victory but believes he has the ability to go toe-to-toe with Wilton.
“He’s an experienced fighter, he’s been round the block and he’s fought Kevin Satchell, who is a former European and British champion,” explained Edwards.
“I have full confidence in how I’ve prepared for this fight that there’s no way he’s going to beat me.
“I’m going in there to perform, I’m not loading up on any of my punches and I know I’ll be victorious on the night whether that’s by knockout or if it’s on points.”
As a part of Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable of boxers, Edwards will gain experience of fighting on the elevated platform of a big pay-per-view promotion.
Despite the fight being in Manchester, Northern Irishman Wilton is likely to have the support of the crowd with fellow countryman Frampton topping the bill and expected to bring over a large following from Belfast.
“It’s a big arena. It’s one the biggest shows Eddie has put on a pay-per-view platform so it’s definitely the biggest fight I’ve been in and the biggest stage I’ve boxed on,” said Edwards.
“I thrive off the pressure and the noise that comes with it so I really look forward to it, the bigger the occasion the better I fight.”
With Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight world title fight against Charles Martin scheduled for April 9 at the O2, it is unlikely Edwards will be ready to fight again in time for that date.
However, the opportunity to fight in front a home crowd on such an occasion is something he hopes will arise in the not too distant future.
“I would love to be on the O2 undercard with Anthony Joshua but it’s only six weeks down the line so I’ve got to think about my long-term career,” he added.
“I can’t just rush straight back into camp because I could pick up injuries so the April date is going to be a no go but the next one in London I’d love to be in.
“I never get a better crowd then when I’m in my home town so I’d love to fight there again whenever the time is right.”
Images courtesy of iFL TV, via Youtube, with thanks
