THE Edwards family have an interesting night ahead of them on September 27 at York Hall.
Brothers Charlie and Sunny will be in opposite corners for the first time when Charlie challenges Thomas Essomba, (13-8-1, 4 KOs), for the European bantamweight title. Sunny will not be lacing the gloves up, however, but he will be by Essomba’s side in his role as manager.
Essomba, a Cameroonian-born British based fighter, will make the second defence of his title which he won in Italy in May 2023 beating then champion Alessio Lorusso on points. And in February this year Essomba successfully retained his belt with a split decision win over Frenchman Elie Konki.
Charlie Edwards, (19-1, 7 KOs), now trained by former super-featherweight world title challenger Stephen Smith, is looking to climb back up the rankings having won world honours of his own – at flyweight – in 2018.
While the headlines will be focused on the Edwards brothers, Essomba said: “People need to remember who the champion is, in this fight.
“This is my belt, and this is a voluntary defence, I have given Charlie this opportunity, he hasn’t earned it – don’t be fooled into thinking otherwise.
“I have been through so much in my life and career to get to this point and there is no way I am leaving York Hall without that belt.”
Edwards revealed that Essomba “goaded” him in a direct message on social media after his fight against Julio Cesar Martinez in 2019 when the initial result – a victory for Martinez – was overturned to a NC.
“I’ve had Essomba in my line of sight for a while now and I’ve not forgotten the disrespect he showed me after my world title fight with Martinez,” Edwards said.
“My brother may think he knows me better than anyone, but there is nothing Sunny can do, or say, to stop me from devastatingly ripping the European title from Essomba by vicious knockout.
“This is the biggest fight of my career and of Essomba’s career too, and he should enjoy every second of having Sunny by his side during the build-up because once the bell goes, it’ll just be me and him and I plan on making him pay for what he has said to me.”
Essomba’s manager Sunny Edwards says he is proud of both his fighter and his brother but he will be supporting his fighter on the night.
“The journey Essomba has taken to get here, means he deserves every chance he can get and I will be supporting him fully just like I would with all the fighters I manage.
“What happens in the ring stays in the ring and it’s between Thomas and Charlie who wins on the night.
“I’m proud of both of them and I am really looking forward to a great night of championship boxing – but don’t get confused I’m Sunny Essomba on September 27.”
