Charlie Edwards says Anthony Nelson will get “hurt” if he tries to have a fight in Saturday’s WBA Continental super-flyweight title confrontation in Newcastle.
The clash of the two little fellas on the packed Matchroom card at the Metro Radio Arena is a fascinating affair between two boxers with identical records.
In one corner you have the gifted and younger man, Edwards, one-time world title challenger (his sole defeat) and in the other corner, the hugely-popular Nelson, who lost his Commonwealth title to Jamie Conlan two years ago in one of the best fights you could ever wish to see (his only career loss).
Most people, including Edwards and his promoter, expect Nelson to come forward and try to rough up the Epsom super-flyweight who now bases himself in Sheffield.
But Charlie insists those tactics won’t work against him.
“The difference is I’m a slick boxer and I’ll make him pay,” he said.
“He’s going to try but he’s only going to hurt himself, he’ll walk into my shots.
“I’m not going to have to go looking for him, he’s going to come and I’m going to punch him, catch him clean and hard.
“It’s all about precision, I’m going to go for an Errol Spence boxing lesson, clean, clinical and technical.”
Nelson will be roared on by an army of fans from South Shields while Edwards admits those supporting him will be few in number.
However, the 25-year-old, who has fought only once since winning the British title in April 2017, told punch-lines that will make success on Tyneside all the more sweeter.
“I’m absolutely ready and buzzing to be back on the big stage,” Edwards said.
“I’m in his back yard but I’m ready to put in a top quality performance.
“I’m in the lion’s den but have been in there before and I love it.
“I thrive on being away from home, no-one there to support me and I can’t wait to silence the crowd.
“Eddie [Hearn] gives me these tests but he knows I’m capable of bringing back the glory.
“I’m buzzing, I’ve done everything right in training in my new gym with Gavin Smith in Steel City.
“It’s the best I’ve felt, I’m feeling great, feeing confident, I’ve got a great team around me including my brother.
“I’ve even been over to the Ukraine to spar a guy fighting for the world title, I’m ready and I hope Anthony brings his A-game, I’m sure he will, he’s a tough competitor, he loves having a scrap and he’s got the home crowd pushing him on.”
Most people, including Edwards and his promoter, expect Nelson to come forward and try to rough up the Epsom super-flyweight who now bases himself in Sheffield.
But Charlie insists those tactics won’t work against him.
“The difference is I’m a slick boxer and I’ll make him pay,” he said.
“He’s going to try but he’s only going to hurt himself, he’ll walk into my shots.
“I’m not going to have to go looking for him, he’s going to come and I’m going to punch him, catch him clean and hard.
“It’s all about precision, I’m going to go for an Errol Spence boxing lesson, clean, clinical and technical.”
Edwards denies he is under pressure this evening.
Should he lose, he could face a hard road back and if he wins, critics could say ‘you should be beating a boxer who has been out for two years’.
“The only pressure is the pressure I put on myself,” he said.
“When I went into the world title fight I expected to win, I buzz off that.
“I’ve been away from the big stage but I’m buzzing, I’ve felt irrelevant for a while, I’ve vacated my British title which was not a great move for me, but now I’m back to claim another title and push on and rejuvenate my career.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
