Flyweight Charlie Edwards Gets Shock World Title Shot

ByMatchroom Boxing

Charlie Edwards will challenge Johnriel Casimero for the IBF Flyweight title at The O2 in London on September 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Former Team GB star Edwards lands the golden opportunity on the undercard of the colossal World Middleweight title clash between pound-for-pound king Gennady Golovkin and IBF Welterweight ruler Kell Brook.

Edwards has made a big impact on the paid ranks in quick time, picking up the English title in just his fifth fight and the WBC International strap in his seventh, and the 23 year old talent now faces a huge step-up in what will be his ninth pro fight after he boxes in Berlin this weekend.

Casimero landed the IBF Flyweight crown in May with a fourth round KO over Amnat Ruenroeng, gaining revenge for a points loss for the belt in June 2015. That win made the 26 year old Filipino a two-weight champion having previously held the IBF Light-Flyweight crown, but Edwards believes he will rip the title from Casimero’s hands.

“Many people may think this is too early but, believe me when I say this, that IBF World title is coming home with me,” said Edwards. “People underestimate my engine. Half way through the fight, when he’s behind, he will not be catching up.

“I didn’t turn pro to knock over journeymen, I’m in this game to take over the lighter weight divisions. The team behind me at MGM know I am more than ready for this and I would like to thank them and Eddie and Barry Hearn for giving me this chance – I won’t let anybody down.”

“This is a huge gamble for Charlie at this stage in his career but he and the team feel very confident they can beat Casimero,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “At Flyweight there is only so much experience you can gain and this is a huge opportunity for him to become World champion on home soil in what will be just his ninth fight. September 10 is the biggest night in World boxing so far in 2016 and I’m delighted to provide this opportunity for Charlie – I believe Britain will have yet another World champion that night.”

An announcement on the ticket details for Golovkin vs. Brook featuring Casimero vs. Edwards will be made tomorrow (July 12).