FORMER European champion Thomas Essomba has stepped in to face featherweight technician Rhys Edwards on June 7, replacing an injured Lyon Woodstock.
The change of opponent was revealed just yesterday, shortly after Woodstock explained via Instagram that he had suffered an ankle injury during his training camp.
In response to his withdrawal, Boxxer promptly announced on social media that Edwards, 16-1 (4 KOs), is now gearing up to collide with seasoned campaigner Essomba instead.
The pair will lock horns on the undercard of Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco, featuring on a Boxxer-promoted show at Oakwell Stadium β home to Barnsley Football Club β in Yorkshire, England.
Edwards looks to return to the win column after rolling the dice against Peter McGrail, a natural super-featherweight contender, following a short-notice call-up in December.
Yet despite his limited preparation, the Welshman nonetheless produced a glittering display β showcasing much of his technical prowess β before losing to his physically more imposing opponent via a unanimous decision.
With previous victories over Thomas Patrick Ward and Brad Foster, though, the 25-year-old has already established himself on the domestic scene and, before long, should be challenging for meaningful titles.
But while he awaits a more compelling assignment, Edwards must first take care of business against Essomba who, above all else, is known for his ambition in the away corner.
Having only fallen short against stiff opposition β including the Edwards brothers, Lee McGregor and Jay Harris β the 37-year-old represents a potential banana skin for any operator in the lower divisions.
Yet, even so, Edwardsβ natural size advantage and more comprehensive skill set should see him graduate from that level and, in doing so, take himself one step closer towards world honours.
