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Charlie Edwards took a positive step towards securing a world-title shot after dethroning European bantamweight champion Thomas Essomba with a points win at London’s York Hall.<\/b><\/p>\n
An emphatic points decision for the Englishman did not tell the full story of a close fight.<\/p>\n
Edwards outworked Essomba for much of the 12 rounds, but the Cameroonian landed more of the power shots, specifically his left hook.<\/p>\n
Speaking after his win, Edwards called out Liverpudlian Paul Butler and said he would like to fight any of the Japanese world champions.<\/p>\n
“Thomas is a tricky operator,” Edwards said.<\/p>\n
“I’m a world champion, I want to fight champions. I’ve got options everywhere. All the champions are in Japan. I’d like to go out there.”<\/p>\n
Edwards picks up the 20th win of his career as he looks to become a two-weight champion in the next 12 months.<\/p>\n
The Sutton-born fighter held the WBC flyweight title from 2018 to 2019 but vacated it, citing issues with making the 112lb weight.<\/p>\n
After 19 months of inactivity,<\/a> he has now won three times in the past 15 months.<\/p>\n Edwards described the fight as a “personal” one for him, as his brother Sunny is Essomba’s manager.<\/a><\/p>\n Sunny, wearing a floor-length fur coat, applauded both fighters as they entered the ring.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n