Boxing News Boxing News
Liverpool flyweight Paul Edwards is insisting that promoter Frank Maloney gives him tougher tests.
The 2006 ABA champion has stormed to five impressive wins since turning professional 18 months ago.
Maloney wanted to bring the 23-year-old on slowly, but Edwards refused to face a journeyman in his next fight.
Instead he will face former British super-flyweight champion Andy Bell at Nottingham’s Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre on Friday February 5.
Maloney said: “I offered Paul a pretty routine six rounder that would have been a learning fiught, but he wasn’t interested and said he needed to be let off the leash.
“I offered him Andy and Paul jumped at the chance to take what will be a big step up in class for him.
“Paul knows that if he has any hope of becoming British champion this year he needs to come out on top against the likes of Andy.”
A win over Doncaster’s Bell (11-4) would see the 5ft 5in scouser join in-form Ashley Sexton at the top of the queue to challenge British eight stone king Shinny Bayaar.
Maloney added: “Flyweight and heavyweight boxing are my favourite divisions and I am excited for its future of the eight stone division in this country.
“It would be nice to get Paul some top quality sparring against Thai or South American fighters to bring him on.”
Top of the bill is local throwback Jason Booth (34-5) who risks his British super-bantamweight title against Londoner Matthew Marsh (13-1)
The star studded undercard includes Olympic bronze medallist Tony Jeffries and former British super-featherweight champion Carl Johanneson (27-4).
Tickets for the star studded Nottingham show priced £35 and £85 are available from www.frankmaloney.com and 0871 226 1508.
