Featherweight prospect Rhys Edwards looks to build on his momentum in 2025, plotting a potential British title shot and homecoming showdown in Wales.
After producing a dazzling display in his last outing against Peter McGrail, it was announced yesterday that โLightingโ has now signed a long-term deal with Boxxer.
In doing so, the 24-year-old has made his intentions crystal clear, hoping to return to the win column before accelerating his progression in the professional ranks.
Despite taking the fight on short notice, Edwards, 16-1 (4 KOs), was able to showcase his technical prowess against super-bantamweight operator McGrail last December, utilising his fluid movement before losing a somewhat contentious unanimous decision.
The opportunity to feature on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Furyโs rematch, however, made it all worth his while, with the Welshman earning ample recognition for his tremendous performance.
Before that, Edwards โ who is trained by seasoned coach Gary Lockett โ captivated his home fans with a comprehensive points victory over Thomas Patrick Ward in Cardiff.
And so, after experiencing a compelling atmosphere on the undercard of WBA welterweight champion Lauren Price, Edwards is now determined to headline his own show in Wales.
At the same time, though, the highly-skilled technician has his eyes firmly set on a possible shot at the coveted Lonsdale Belt.
โGetting the opportunity to fight Peter McGrail in Saudi Arabia was a surreal experience,โ Edwards said in a press release.
โI thought I nicked it but I canโt argue either way. I learnt a lot about myself and showed my level.
โThe fight against Ward in Cardiff was electric. The Welsh crowd really got behind me and Iโm very grateful for that. I would love to headline a show back home by the end of 2025 or the start of 2026.
โI just want good performances and wins against good fighters and titles, and hopefully the British featherweight title before the end of the year.โ
The current British champion at 126lbs is Zak Miller, who claimed the vacant strap after edging a majority decision against Masood Abdulah last Saturday.
Sure enough, a matchup between Edwards and Miller would deliver an intriguing clash of styles, with both combatants looking to reign supreme over the domestic scene.
