There is just over a week to go until Chris Edwards, Stoke’s British super-flyweight champion, defends his title for the first time against English titleholder Andy Bell. Last December Edwards became the first man to bring the coveted Lonsdale belt back to Stoke for 85 years when he defeated Jamie McDonnell on points at Wigan’s Robin Park Stadium..
As Edwards puts the finishing touches to his preparations at Impact Boxing’s Fenton gym he reports that he is feeling relaxed:
“My training couldn’t have gone better,” said Edwards. “I’m getting used to preparing for big fights now and I’m feeling better than I’ve ever felt before. This will be the third time that I’ve fought for a British title and on both previous occasions I’ve had to go the distance so I have no worries about going twelve rounds now.”
“I think that it gives me an advantage over Any Bell who will be doing twelve rounds for the first time, particularly since I’m known for coming into my own during the later rounds.”
“Bell’s a big lad and will be a lot heavier than me on the night but so was McDonnell and Bell’s lost to McDonnell twice in his career. Also I’m used to boxing bigger lads, I’ve had to fight them through most of my career.”
“I’m not taking anything for granted though; Bell is a tough lad and can be awkward so I’ve been sparring the likes of Scott Lawton who is tall and rangy like Bell but who has also fought at the top level.”
“I’m not feeling any pressure this time either. After getting a draw and coming so close against Dale Robinson I felt under a bit of pressure when I fought McDonnell but now I’ve won the title I have already written my name into the history books and I no longer have anything to prove. Bell will want to win the title to prove himself but he’s got to take it away from me and I’m not ready to give it up yet so all the stress is on him.”
“Together with Lindon my trainer and Scott (Lawton) I’ve worked out a strategy for Bell and because I’m relaxed it’s going to be a lot easier to stick to the game plan. In boxing nothing’s certain but I feel confident going in to this one.”
The fight takes place on 28th March at Barnsley’s Metrodome Leisure Centre on a Sky Sports televised card, the event being promoted by Frank Maloney. Tickets priced £35 and £70 are available from Imapct Boxing on 0845 156 7168 and free coach travel from Stoke has also been arranged.