The Edwards family will have an exciting night on September 27 at York Hall.
Brothers Charlie and Sunny will be in opposite corners for the first time when Charlie challenges Thomas Essomba (13-8-1, 4 KOs) for the European bantamweight title. Sunny won’t be lacing up the gloves, however, but he will be by Essomba’s side as a manager.
Essomba, a British boxer of Cameroonian descent, will make the second defence of the title he won in Italy in May 2023 when he defeated then champion Alessio Lorusso on points. And in February this year, Essomba successfully defended his belt with a split decision win over Frenchman Elie Konki.
Charlie Edwards, (19-1, 7 KOs), now trained by former super featherweight world title challenger Stephen Smith, is looking to climb the rankings after winning his own world title – at flyweight – in 2018.
While the headlines will focus on the Edwards brothers, Essomba said: “People need to remember who the champions are in this fight.
“This is my belt, and this is a voluntary defense, I gave Charlie this opportunity, he didn’t deserve it – don’t be fooled into thinking otherwise.
“I have been through a lot in my life and career to get to where I am today and I will not leave York Hall without that belt.”
Essomba wants to remind everyone that he is a champion
Edwards revealed that Essomba “triggered” him in a social media direct message following his fight with Julio Cesar Martinez in 2019 when the original result – a win for Martinez – was overturned to an NC.
“I have had my eye on Essomba for a while now and I have not forgotten the disrespect he showed me after the world title fight with Martinez,” said Edwards.
“My brother may think he knows me better than anyone, but there is nothing Sunny could do or say that would stop me from taking the European title from Essomba with a devastating knockout.
“This is the biggest fight of my career and Essomba’s career, and he should enjoy every minute of having Sunny by his side during the build-up because when the bell rings, it’s just me and him, and I intend to make him pay for what he said to me.”
Essomba’s manager Sunny Edwards said he was proud of both the boxer and his brother but he would be backing his boxer on the night.
“The journey that Essomba has taken to get to where he is today means he deserves every opportunity possible and I will support him fully as I do with all the fighters I manage.
“What happens in the ring stays in the ring and Thomas and Charlie will be the winners that night.
“I’m proud of both of them and I’m really looking forward to a great night of championship boxing – but make no mistake, I’m Sunny Essomba on September 27.”
