FEATHERWEIGHT technician Rhys Edwards is gearing up for an appealing clash with Leon Woodstock, returning for the first time since his unanimous decision defeat to Peter McGrail.
The pair will collide on June 7, featuring on the undercard of Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco at Oakwell Stadium โ home of Barnsley Football Club โ in Yorkshire, England.
Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom had previously told Boxing News that Isaac Lowe, who comes off a points loss to Lee McGregor, was being explored as a potential opponent for Edwards, 16-1 (4 KOs).
But after Lowe ultimately ruled himself out with an illness, former British title challenger Woodstock has since seized the opportunity with both hands.
The 31-year-old comes off a majority decision defeat to Kurt Walker, who was comfortably outpointed by Liam Davies last Saturday.
Yet still, with Woodstockโs only other professional blemishes arriving against Anthony Cacace, Archie Sharp and Zelfa Barrett, he nonetheless represents a sturdy operator at British level.
Edwards, meanwhile, has dreams and aspirations of pushing beyond the domestic scene after giving a glittering account of himself against McGrail.
The pair squared off last December, and despite taking the fight on just a few daysโ notice โ while also jumping up to 130lbs โ the 25-year-old produced a polished performance against his highly-touted opponent.
Having claimed previous victories against Thomas Patrick Ward and Brad Foster, too, Edwards certainly looks poised to take the next step in his career.
For now, though, he seemingly remains fully focused on the task at hand, with the Gary Lockett-trained Welshman sharing rounds with rangy lightweight Gavin Gwynne in sparring.
