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Thomas Essomba vs. Charlie Edwards

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Edwards

Friday's Main Event Has Many Stories (Poster - Wasserman Boxing)
Friday’s Main Event Has Many Stories (Poster – Wasserman Boxing)

On Friday night at York Hall, in a bizarre family celebration, former world champion Charlie Edwards attempts to win the European bantamweight title from champion Thomas Essomby, whose manager is Charlie’s younger brother Clear.

Wasserman promotes the Edwards vs Essomba fight as Channel 5 broadcasts it live in the UK.

Edwards’ (19-1, 7 KO) stock has been in decline in recent years, despite the Croydon fighter continuing his unbeaten streak, which has stretched to 11 fights since making a belated shot at a world title in 2016, when he was stopped by IBF flyweight champion John Riel Casimero in a thrilling display at the O2 Arena. Edwards has reset and learnt his craft, and in December 2018 he won the WBC flyweight title with a stunning points victory over Cristofer Rosales.

Edwards defended himself once, against a controversial no contest with Julio Cesar Martinez forced a change in weight.

Since then, “The Eagle” has boxed just four times in four years, all against lowly opposition, and was last seen in April when he scored a wide points victory over Georges Ory to win the vacant WBC International silver bantamweight title.

Edwards' career was cut short after the Martinez fight. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Edwards’ career was cut miniature after the Martinez fight. Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

He will face a tough and experienced champion in Essomba (13-8-1, 4 KOs), a former Olympian who has never been afraid to travel and take risky opportunities. Born in Cameroon and now based in Sheffield, Essomba has an impressive list of opponents and despite eight defeats to his name, he has performed well each time, not being stopped by Lee McGregor until the 12th, final round in 2018.

Essomba had to learn the hard way (photo: Frank Reid)
Essomba had to learn the difficult way (photo: Frank Reid)

He also worked with Clear Edwards, who lost on points in 2020. In May last year he travelled to Italy and won the European title by defeating Alessio Lorusso, then defended in his adopted Sheffield in February, taking a split decision against Elie Konki.

Prediction: Edwards starts out as the clear favorite in this one, and understandably so. Essomba will test him, but once Edwards gets through a tough first few rounds, he could take control and secure a wide enough victory to become the recent champion.

Wasserman’s prospects and tantalizing domestic clashes fill the bill

The undercard is only up in the eighth round as Germaine Brown (13-3, 4 KOs) takes on Grant Dennis (18-7, 3 KOs). Brown has lost twice in the English title fight, after decent performances against Zak Chellie and Mark Jeffers, while Dennis has lost four of his last five matches, including two on the schedule. Brown could do so on the break.

Brown failed to beat Chella (photo: Lawrence Lustig, Boxxer)
Brown failed to beat Chella (photo: Lawrence Lustig, Boxxer)

In six rounds, super lightweight newcomer Jesse Brandon (4-0, 1 KO) could go the distance for the first time with a unanimous decision over Miguel Angel Nunez (4-10, 1 KO). In the middleweight division, Joel Bartell (6-1, 3 KO) could rebound from his loss to Jordan Reynolds with a unanimous decision over Nikolas Dzurnak (7-7-2, 6 KO).

Lightweight prospect Brandon Olbrechts (6-0, 2 KOs) could also go the distance against Brayan Mairena (15-46-1, 9 KOs), while super lightweight Hannah Robinson (1-0, 0 KOs) should also triumph on the judge’s scorecard against Laura Reoyo (2-1, 0 KOs).

The four-round fight will be headlined by the popular Tom Welland (5-0, 2 KOs), and the featherweight should emerge victorious on points against Darwing Martinez (8-23-2, 6 KOs), while Danny Boardman (1-0, 0 KOs) should do the same, also in the featherweight division against Yin Caicedo (10-21-4, 4 KOs).

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Interviews

David Benavidez criticizes ‘fucking p***y’ Canelo Alvarez

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Canelo and Crawford are closing in on a deal for a September showdown in Las Vegas Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/Mark Robinson/Matchroom

This week, Benavidez attacked Canelo. Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions/Ed Mulholland/Matchroom
This week, Benavidez attacked Canelo. Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions/Ed Mulholland/Matchroom

David Benavidez has reignited the war of words between himself and longtime rival Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

Although a fight has not yet taken place between the two, Benavidez and Canelo have launched numerous verbal attacks on each other, mainly when the former fought in the super middleweight division.

After “The Mexican Monster” moved up to delicate heavyweight, things went tranquil between the pair for a while – but that has now changed.

Many in the sport believe that Alvarez is shying away from fighting his younger, bigger opponent, even though it is arguably the most financially lucrative fight for him.

And when Benavidez showed up The hustle and bustle of Miami this week he went on an X-rated tirade against the four-weight world champion.

Canelo and Crawford are nearing an agreement for a September fight in Las Vegas. Photo: Amanda Westcott/Mark Robinson/Matchroom
Canelo and Crawford are nearing an agreement for a September fight in Las Vegas. Photo: Amanda Westcott/Mark Robinson/Matchroom

“Honestly, I think Canelo is f*ckin’ f–king! This is just my opinion.

If we ever fight, this man will make well over $100 million.

“He says I have nothing to offer, that I’m a nobody and I need more experience.

“But if you’re going to make $100 million fighting someone who has no experience and all the crap they’re saying about me, why don’t you come in and get the large bucks?

“I’m not afraid of anyone!” I accept challenges. So Canelo and his fans say I bring nothing to the table – everyone is afraid, just like he is afraid.

“If he wants to prove that I’m not shit, come and prove it to everyone. It’s that plain.”

Benavidez puts his interim WBC light heavyweight title on the line against Morrell Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
Benavidez puts his interim WBC delicate heavyweight title on the line against Morrell Photo: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions

Unfortunately for Benavidez, it looks like the Alvarez fight will never happen as the Guadalajara fighter enters the twilight of his career.

Unified super middleweight champion “Canelo” has not boxed since his September win over Edgar Berlanga, although reports suggest he has agreed terms for a thrilling fight with pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford in September.

As for Benavidez, he will face the toughest test of his career on February 1, when he will lose his job faces the outstanding Cuban amateur David Morrell Jr for the “regular” and interim WBA delicate heavyweight world titles.

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Interviews

Daniel Dubois sends a message to Tyson Fury after his retirement

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Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from boxing aged 36 Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Daniel Dubois believes that Tyson Fury will return. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing/Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Daniel Dubois believes that Tyson Fury will return. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing/Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

Daniel Dubois believes that Tyson Fury will return to the ring and claims that a fight between them may happen.

Fury ended hopes of All-British fights against the likes of Dubois and long-time rival Anthony Joshua after retiring last Monday, less than a month after his second successive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.

However, “Dynamite” believes that his compatriot will return in a similar mood as when he retired in April 2022, only to return seven months later.

If the “Gypsy King” ends his final retirement, Dubois insists the fight with Joshua must happen, which has opened the door for him to face the winner.

“I think he will definitely come back,” said the 27-year-old talkSPORT.

Tyson Fury announced that he is retiring from boxing at the age of 36. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Tyson Fury announced that he is retiring from boxing at the age of 36. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

“He’s always done that throughout his career, mind games and all that.

“So I think he will come back. He plays various characters. He will definitely come back.

“Get them in the ring [Joshua and Fury].

“I want to see them fight now.

“I punched Joshua so he had to fight Fury.

“I want to see what’s left between these two.

“And then maybe I’ll fight the winner.”

Dubois will face Parker on February 22 in Riyad. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Dubois will face Parker on February 22 in Riyad. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

The Londoner knocked out “AJ” five rounds in September at Wembley Stadium and on February 22 in Riyad, he will defend the IBF world heavyweight title against Joseph Parker.

Dubois stormed the ring after Usyk’s rematch victory over Fury, calling for a rematch from their August 2023 clash.

The Londoner’s argument for wanting a rematch is based on a controversial low blow in the fifth round of the fight against the Ukrainian, which he believed was a legal shot.

“Usyk, I want to take revenge,” he said.

“Good job tonight.

Dubois attacked Usyk's post-fight interview, calling for a rematch. Photo: TNT Sports
Dubois attacked Usyk’s post-fight interview, calling for a rematch. Photo: TNT Sports

“I want revenge for the last robbery.

“Let’s sort this out. Let’s go.

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Interviews

Eddie Hearn wonders if Tyson Fury will return

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Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from boxing aged 36 Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Eddie Hearn believes Tyson Fury will change his decision to retire Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing/Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Eddie Hearn believes Tyson Fury will change his decision to retire Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing/Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Eddie Hearn believes Tyson Fury will retire after a legacy-defining clash with Anthony Joshua.

Fury stunned the boxing world on Monday when he announced his retirement from the sport, leaving behind a megafight with Joshua.

The “Gypsy King” announced his shocking decision less than a month after suffering, among other things, second defeat in a row against Oleksandr Usyk in Riyad, but Joshua’s promoter, Hearn, is convinced that the fighter from Morecambe will return to the ring to fight the long-awaited showdown with “AJ”, who is returning after a fifth-round defeat to Daniel Dubois.

“In my opinion, I think he will come back,” the 45-year-old said talkSPORT.

“But I don’t know him well enough to judge that.

Tyson Fury announced that he is retiring from boxing at the age of 36. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
Tyson Fury announced that he is retiring from boxing at the age of 36. Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank

“He’s coming back after two defeats, and these defeats hurt the boys.

“AJ was devastated by the defeat to Dubois and I’m sure Fury was too [with his defeats to Usyk]both are winners.

“I don’t know if Fury can leave one of the biggest fights in the history of the sport on the table.

“I know he’s a competitor. I know he will want to give the British fight fans what they want and I hope we see more of him.

“But if we don’t, God bless the speed and all the best.”

Fury's retirement will be a major blow to Joshua. Photo: Mark Robinson/Michelle Farsi/Matchroom Boxing
Fury’s retirement will be a major blow to Joshua. Photo: Mark Robinson/Michelle Farsi/Matchroom Boxing

Fury hung up his gloves after defeating Dillian Whyte in April 2022, only to return eight months later for a third fight with Derek Chisora, whom he defeated comfortably at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Hearn said Joshua will now look to secure a clash with the winner of the February 22 fight between his former rivals Dubois and Joseph Parker, who will fight in Riyad for the IBF heavyweight world title.

If Fury returns to fight AJ, the Matchroom boss insists the loser would have nowhere to go.

“They would both be devastated by defeat,” he added.

“It’s one thing to lose the world heavyweight title, but at the same time losing in a fight of this magnitude is the biggest bragging rights.

“At this stage of their career, the last word is goodbye.

“Whoever loses this fight is finished and whoever wins it moves on and that’s what you fight for.

“You’re not just fighting for a legacy, you’re fighting to save your career.

“It’s a huge fight, but it’s not on the table right now.”

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