27.03.07 – British title hopeful, Chris Edwards received a boost to his preparations today when he learned that had become the first member of Impact Boxing’s fledgling stable to earn a world ranking. The WBC, one of the leading sanctioning bodies in world boxing, now ranks Edwards at number 38 in the flyweight division..
Matched against former Commonwealth champion Dale Robinson once more at Altrincham Leisure Centre on 13th April, Edwards now has his sights firmly set on becoming the first Potteries fighter to win a Lonsdale Belt since Tommy Harrison in June 1922. Contemplating the biggest fight of his career to date, Edwards has taken leave from work for the first time ever in order to prepare and is now training three times a day.
Chris Edwards stopped Robinson in the eighth round of their English flyweight title clash at Stoke’s Kings Hall last November. Regarded as one of the biggest shocks in British boxing of 2006, the victory earned the Sneyd Green based boxer the right to fight for the British title. An honour he had previously been denied twice by the British Boxing Board of Control.
A second victory over Robinson in April will catapult Edwards onto the world stage as a serious contender for the first time in a division which provides little competition domestically. Furthermore, it will provide the possibility of a rematch with Italian Andrea Sarritzu, the current European champion, who beat Edwards in last March courtesy of a 4th round KO.
Another potential opponent for a British title holding Edwards is the former World and European bantamweight title contender Ian Napa. Napa has already declared his intention to step down to flyweight in order to mount a challenge to the victor of the Edwards/Robinson clash.
On hearing the news of his world ranking a delighted Edwards said: “It’s a fantastic boost to my preparations. I have plenty of motivation already but this gives me an added incentive to beat Dale again.”
“It’s flattering for people to be talking about future opponents for me already but I’ve got my feet firmly on the ground; the only opponent I’m focussing on at the moment is Dale Robinson. I beat Dale last time and I know I can beat him again but I also know he will be stronger and better prepared this time.”
“I’m anticipating a much tougher fight this time because I think Dale and his camp underestimated me in November. They won’t be making that mistake again so I know I have to work much harder this time too.”
Tickets for the Frank Maloney/VIP Promotions event are available from Impact Boxing on: 0845 156 7168