BRITISH and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Lewis Edmondson has pledged allegiance to domestic rival Ezra Taylor ahead of his next fight.
The pair have been on a collision course for several months, with their back-and-forths over social media – and, of course, in real life – only building hype around their possible dustup.
But despite a mutual disdain for one another, Edmondson, 11-0 (3 KOs), will be firmly in Taylor’s corner when he takes on unbeaten Brummie Troy Jones this Saturday.
Featuring on the undercard of Anthony Cacace vs Leigh Wood, ‘The Cannon’ hopes to make a statement in front of his home fans at the Nottingham Arena.
More importantly, though, a victory over Jones should take him one step closer towards a keenly anticipated showdown with Edmondson, who hopes to enter the ring this summer.
And while ‘The Saint’ remains open to considering alternative opponents, Taylor, 11-0 (8 KOs), represents by far his most preferred dance partner.
“It’s like watching a white-collar fighter – he’s like a big, stiff robot,” Edmondson told Boxing News.
“He’s too muscle-bound. But to be honest, I’m going to be Team Ezra Taylor on Saturday night.
“I’m praying that Ezra comes through this fight [against Jones] so I can smash him all over the place. His style is perfect for me.
“We’re with Ezra ‘The Water Pistol’ Taylor on Saturday. God willing he comes through that [fight], and then I’m pretty sure he will be next on the hit list.”
Edmondson comes off a comprehensive title defence against Oluwatosin Kejawa, dominating nearly every round in front of his lively South Coast supporters.
Before that, the Southampton man secured a majority decision victory over Dan Azeez, claiming his British and Commonwealth straps on away turf.
Regarding his next outing, meanwhile, it would appear that Edmondson is in the process of exploring several options with his promoter, Queensberry boss Frank Warren.
Should a clash with Taylor materialise, a slot on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2, which takes place at Wembley Stadium on July 19, would certainly appeal to the 29-year-old.
And yet, at the same time, it would seem that Warren is equally keen for Edmondson to return to Bournemouth, the neighbouring town to his home city, in the not too distant future.
“There’s been some talks,” Edmondson said. “It’s become a bit of a grudge match now, and I believe [the fight] will happen if [Taylor] comes through [Jones] with no injuries.
“I feel like [Usyk-Dubois 2] would be a good show for our fight to go on. It’ll be a good domestic fight, so it’s worthy of a big card like that.
“I think [Warren is] looking to do a show in Bournemouth as well, at some point in July or August, with [European super-featherweight champion] Ryan Garner headlining again.
“So there’s a couple of options there, and we’re just waiting to hear now.”
While most would deem their potential fight a 50/50 matchup, or at least 60/40 either way, Edmondson believes that he has Taylor gunned down in nearly every department.
But most of all, the crafty technician remains convinced that a psychological advantage should see him emerge victorious if they ever lock horns.
“I think he’s got quit in him,” Edmondson opined. “When the going gets tough, I feel like he’ll look for a way out.
“I think he’s a very on-top fighter, and likes to get people under manners – he’s a bit of a bully-boy fighter, so when that doesn’t go his way, we’ll see how he responds.”
