British Boxing: Edwards on Schedule

It is just over a week until Stoke’s Chris Edwards steps between the ropes at Wigan’s Robin Park Centre in his bid to become Britain’ first super-flyweight champion and according to Impact Boxing Edwards’ preparations have gone well..

Edwards whose record now reads W 10 (KO 3) L 12 D 3 will enter the ring as favourite. McDonnell, the current English bantamweight titleholder, has recorded 8 wins and 1 draw but has never fought over 12 rounds previously and has only fought outside of Doncaster once. The fight will be televised on Sky Sports as part of the British undercard to the eagerly anticipated Hatton/Mayweather confrontation.

Mick Carney, Edwards’ manager, today announced that: “Chris has been down at the championship weight limit of 8st 3lbs since Tuesday and is fitter and stronger than ever before. He’s worked on his strength and his stamina and we are confident that we’re sending him to Wigan in the best condition possible.”

“At 5’ 8” McDonnell has a big height and reach advantage over Chris so Chris has been sparring with much bigger lads. He’s actually done a lot of sparring with Danny Johnston who is about 4st heavier than Chris and Danny reports that Chris is stronger and is hitting harder than many middleweights that he’s fought.”

“Although McDonnell has the height advantage it’s the only edge that he does have over Chris. Chris has the experience over twelve rounds and has fought two gruelling contests against Dale Robinson who was a former Commonwealth champ and who, unlike McDonnell, had a reputation for stopping opponents.”

“Chris also has power and he is hitting harder than ever now. Chris has always been renowned for his mobility and his work-rate and in the condition that he’s in at present he will certainly live up to his reputation.”

“It’s true that in boxing that you can’t take anything for granted and that’s what makes it such a great sport. No doubt there will be periods of the bout in which Jamie McDonnell is the stronger but I am confident that Chris will bring an end to the 85 year drought for Stoke boxers and that he will return to the Potteries with a Lonsdale belt.”

Tickets for the Wigan show which includes nine bouts, three of which are title contests, and large screen coverage of the Hatton/Mayweather contest are available from Impact Boxing on 0770 944 9279 or by visiting www.impactboxing.com