Ringside Boxing Report: Andy Bell vs. Chris Edwards
© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing
It was a lively crowd that packed the Metrodome in Barnsley, England last night for the Frank Maloney promoted fight night billed as ‘Northern Rock !’
A full fight-card of eleven exciting contests was to be headlined by Stokes’ Chris Edwards making his first defence of the British Super Flyweight title against the younger Andy Bell of Doncaster.
Edwards won the ‘new’ belt from Jamie McDonnell in December and last night faced the taller Bell – who already held the English Super Flyweight title.
Andy ‘Ice-Man’ Bell looked ‘ice-cool’ as he made his entrance to the ring first, as the challenger. Edwards, flanked by the Impact Boxing Team and stable-mate Scott Lawton, entered the ring to the sounds of “I Predict A Riot!â€
There were some good combinations from Bell right from the start of the first round, which included solid lefts and rights. Looking confident – the taller, rangy boxer was to produce some accurate punching throughout the fight.
In the first minute of round three, a left punch from Bell lands on the temple of Edwards and the champion falls to the canvas briefly. The Stoke man doesn’t look too hurt from the punch and quickly jumps up to take the standing count from Referee Victor Loughlin. During the round, Edwards has sustained a cut to the left eyebrow.
Mid-way through round four and Edwards is taking a few shots from Bell. Edwards reminds me of someone pedalling their bike in the wrong gear! He looks busier – throwing a lot of punches – but doesn’t appear to be getting anywhere.
Scott Lawton shouts encouragement from the corner – urging Edwards on. In the last minute of round six, Bell throws a couple of good uppercuts, which causes Edwards to stumble backwards, almost in surprise, but he remains standing.
Round seven and both men keep up the work-rate. It’s a better round for Edwards as he tries to work in close to smother Bells’ efforts. Edwards is throwing a lot of punches but not having as much success as the more accurate Bell.
By the end of round eight, Edwards is cut on the left eye as well and Bell has some swelling under his left eye.
Bell has not been past ten rounds before so it‘s into uncharted territory for him.
In the opening minute of the eleventh, Edwards lands a good shot which rocks back the head of Bell. Both men keep up the pace, but are looking tired this round. “Give it everything you’ve got !†Edwards’ corner urge him as he comes out for the twelfth and final round.
The two boxers hug each other in mutual respect as they square up for the last three minutes of the contest and their work-rate is unceasing as they do indeed – ’give it everything they’ve got’ and they hug again at the end of the round.
Bell is jubilant as he is announced as the NEW British Super Flyweight Champion winning by unanimous decision:117-11, 115-113 and 117-111 again.
Afterward, a disappointed Edwards told Sky Reporter Ed Robinson that he felt it was a close contest and he wanted a re-match. Promoter Frank Maloney agreed that it had been a great fight and a re-match could be possible.