In a thrilling display of boxing prowess, **Charlie Edwards** defeated Thomas Essomba to secure the European title, further solidifying his ambition for a return to the world championship stage. This victory marks a pivotal moment in Edwards’ career, as he seeks to regain global dominance in the boxing world. After overcoming the experienced Essomba, Edwards now sets his sights on reclaiming his place among the elite in the sport, with a clear goal of becoming a world champion once again. With this win, his dreams of a world title return seem closer than ever.
A Defining Victory for Charlie Edwards
Charlie Edwards’ victory over Thomas Essomba was not just another fight; it was a statement. Edwards, who had previously held the WBC world flyweight title, has been on a mission to return to the pinnacle of the sport after losing his title in 2019. His determination to bounce back was evident throughout the match, as he outclassed Essomba with his speed, precision, and tactical intelligence. The fight, which took place in front of a packed crowd, saw Edwards dominate from the early rounds, displaying the technical skills that once made him a world champion.
Essomba, a former Olympian from Cameroon, posed a significant challenge. Known for his resilience and aggressive style, Essomba was expected to push Edwards to his limits. However, Edwards’ preparation and focus were evident as he executed his game plan flawlessly. His footwork was impeccable, allowing him to evade Essomba’s attacks while landing sharp counters. By the later rounds, it was clear that Edwards was in control, and when the final bell rang, the judges’ scorecards confirmed his dominance with a unanimous decision victory.
The Road Back to the Top
For Edwards, this win is a crucial step in his journey back to the world championship scene. After losing his WBC flyweight title to Julio Cesar Martinez in controversial fashion, Edwards took some time away from the sport to regroup and refocus. His decision to move up to the super-flyweight division has been seen as a strategic one, as it allows him to leverage his natural strength and stamina without the need for drastic weight cuts.
Edwards has been vocal about his desire to challenge for a world title again, and his performance against Essomba proves that he is still a force to be reckoned with. The European title is an important milestone, but for Edwards, it is only a stepping stone. His ultimate goal is to become a two-weight world champion, a feat that only a select few British boxers have achieved. With this victory, he is now in a prime position to secure a shot at one of the world champions in the super-flyweight division.
A Tactical Masterclass “Charlie Edwards”
The fight against Essomba was a showcase of Edwards’ tactical brilliance. From the opening bell, Edwards utilized his superior movement and ring IQ to dictate the pace of the fight. He was able to control the distance, keeping Essomba at bay with his jab while setting up combinations that landed with precision. Essomba, known for his durability, struggled to close the distance as Edwards’ footwork allowed him to pivot away from danger and reset his attacks.
One of the key factors in Edwards’ victory was his ability to adapt. Essomba tried to apply pressure, particularly in the middle rounds, but Edwards remained composed, switching up his tactics to keep his opponent guessing. He mixed in body shots with head shots, and his timing was spot on, making it difficult for Essomba to find any rhythm. By the later rounds, it was clear that Edwards had broken Essomba’s spirit, as the Cameroonian became increasingly frustrated with his inability to land clean punches.
Eyes on the World Title
With the European title now in his possession, Edwards is turning his attention to the global stage. The super-flyweight division is currently stacked with talent, with champions like Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, and Kazuto Ioka all holding world titles. Edwards has expressed his desire to face one of these champions, and given his performance against Essomba, it’s clear that he has the skills to compete at the highest level.
In interviews following his victory, Edwards spoke about his hunger to return to world championship contention. “Winning the European title is great, but my eyes are set on the world title. I know I belong at that level, and I’m ready to prove it,” he said confidently. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has also been vocal about securing a world title shot for Edwards in the near future, stating that the victory over Essomba has put Edwards back on the radar of the top fighters in the division.
Charlie Edwards defeated Thomas Essomba in a closely fought bout to win the European bantamweight title at York Hall in London.
Essomba pressed Edwards hard when he came back into the contest, but the Croydon man ultimately won a unanimous decision, 118-111, 117-111 and 116-112.
Edwards was in the uncomfortable position of seeing his brother, Sunny, in his opponent’s team. Former world champion Sunny Edwards manages and advises Essomba and was backing him even against his own brother.
Edwards has to marshal tough, tricky European champion Thomas Essomba
Charlie Edwards might have been unruffled by that, but it was Essomba’s talents that made this a difficult contest. Essomba, a Cameroonian Olympian, pressed forward, occasionally switching from southpaw to orthodox. He cracked Edwards with firm shots to keep him under pressure. But the challenger made used of his rapid footwork, shifting position from side to side, denying Essomba chances to pin him down.
Edwards had begun the bout well, but Essomba brought himself right into the contest. Edwards though reeled off a triple jab and whipped his cross in as he steered himself through to a victory in a contest that was closer than the scorecards suggested. A former world champion down at flyweight, winning the European bantamweight crown was a valuable step forward for Edwards in the division.
Edwards wants to fight for a world championship once again
He wants a grudge match with former gym-mate Paul Butler but is positioning himself for a future world title too. “Thomas is a tricky operator,” Edwards said after his European title win. “That puts me in a very good position. I’ve got options everywhere.” His promoter Kalle Sauerland added: “Tonight European champion, back on the way to the world title. That’s where he belongs. “We’re going to enjoy tonight, European title in the bank, world title next.” Watch Sandy Ryan vs Mikaela Mayer on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+ from 2am
Challenges Ahead
Despite his impressive win, the road to becoming a two-weight world champion will not be easy for Edwards. The super-flyweight division is one of the most competitive in boxing, and the current champions are all experienced and highly skilled. Edwards will need to continue improving and refining his skills if he hopes to dethrone one of the reigning champions.
However, Edwards has proven time and time again that he thrives under pressure. His journey to becoming a world champion in the flyweight division was filled with challenges, but his resilience and work ethic carried him to the top. Now, with the European title in hand, he faces a similar path in the super-flyweight division. If he can continue performing at the level he showed against Essomba, there’s no doubt that he will have a legitimate chance to challenge for a world title once again.
Conclusion
Charlie Edwards’ victory over Thomas Essomba to win the European title is a major milestone in his boxing career. It not only cements his status as one of the top fighters in the super-flyweight division but also brings him one step closer to achieving his goal of becoming a two-weight world champion. With his eyes now firmly set on a world title shot, Edwards is determined to reclaim his place among the elite in the sport. The future looks bright for the British boxer, and fans around the world will be eagerly watching as he continues his journey back to the top.