Boxing Champs. Pic:
Croydon’s champion boxer Charlie Edwards will be defending his WBC World Flyweight title against Spain’s Angel Moreno at the Copper Box Arena in London on March 23.
Edwards claimed the WBC flyweight belt with a majestic performance which earned him a points win over Cristofer Rosales at the O2 in December. Charlie was on top form and dominated the Nicaraguan with his skillful technique. The judges gave a unanimous decision in favour of Charlie.
The 25-year-old champion has already spoken about unification clashes and will seek an important win over Moreno, who has suffered just two defeats in 23 fights.
Having lost out in his first bid for World honours against John Riel Casimero in 2016, the Croydon champ was overcome with joy after fulfilling his childhood dream, and is excited to begin life as a World Champion against Spain’s Moreno.
Edwards, 25 said: “Moreno is a tough and a game fighter.
“He’s a mature man, and he doesn’t shy away from any opportunities, he will come to steal my title from me. This is a fight I’m confident of winning and a fight I can look great in. I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring with him. I sparred him ahead of the Casimero fight but I’m a different animal now.”
Meanwhile Croydon fast-rising light-heavyweight star Joshua Buatsi takes a significant step up when he takes on Liam Conroy for the vacant British title in just his 10th fight. Buatsi blasted out Renold Quinlan at the O2 in December to bring up his third successive stoppage win inside the opening round.
Since turning pro in 2017 the 25-year-old Olympic bronze medalist has won all of his nine fights so far.
Buatsi said: “My team see me day in day out in the gym and this is the title they feel I’m ready for. Liam has won his last five fights by knockout and he’ll be heading into the fight full of confidence.
“There’s a good title at stake and he knows there’s a big reward if he beats me. For me, it’s a big stepping stone and another box to tick on my way to the top.
“This is an important fight for my career and I need to get the belt to move on.”
On the same night, Lawrence Okolie, the Hackney cruiserweight and a former Olympian, will face Wadi Camacho in an all London affair, with the British and Commonwealth titles on the line in an explosive encounter between two big punchers.
Lewis Ritson will also defend his British Lightweight title against Andy Townend. He is determined to come back to winning ways seeking to make his career back on line following his first defeat to European champion Francesco Patera in October.
