Charlie Edwards defeated Thomas Esomba in a close fight to win the European bantamweight title at York Hall in London.
Esomba put a lot of pressure on Edwards as he came back into the fight, but in the end the Croydon man won by unanimous decision 118-111, 117-111, 116-112.
Edwards was in the uncomfortable position of having his younger brother Sonny on the opposing team. Former world champion Sunny Edwards managed and advised Esomba and even supported him against his own brother.
Charlie Edwards may not have been fazed by it, but it was Esomba’s talent that made this contest difficult.
Esomba, an Olympian from Cameroon, progressed, switching from southpaw to orthodox at times.
He beat Edwards with solid shots and kept the pressure on.
However, the challenger used his quick footwork to change positions from side to side, giving Esomba no chance to hold him down.
Edwards started the match well, but Esomba took it.
But Edwards landed a triple jab and a cross that swung his way to victory in a closer fight than the scorecards indicated.
For Edwards, a former world flyweight champion, winning the European bantamweight title was a valuable step forward in the division.
Edwards wants to fight for world championship again
He wants a grudge match against former gymmate Paul Butler, but also has his sights set on a future world title.
“Thomas is a tricky operator,” Edwards said after winning the European title. “That put me in a very good position. I have options everywhere.”
Promoter Kalle Sauerland added: “Tonight he returns to his path to becoming European champion and world title. That’s where he belongs.”
“Tonight I’m going to enjoy the European title and then I’m going to aim for the world title.”
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