Charlie Edwards makes the first defence of his WBC World flyweight title against Spaniard Angel Moreno at the Copper-Box Arena in Hackney.
Edwards produced a career-best performance to dethrone rugged Nicaraguan champion Christofer Rosales in December, becoming a world champion on the second time of asking following an unsuccessful challenge against Filipino then IBF-champion Johnriel Casimero in September 2016 in just his ninth professional fight.
After his unsuccessful efforts in pursuing a domestic showdown with Birmingham’s WBA titlist Kal Yafai at super-flyweight, Edwards now knows that a clinical first defence is a crucial first step in establishing himself as a dominant force back at 112lbs, en route to a potential unification fight at Selhurst Park, the home of his beloved Crystal Palace.
Croydon’s Rio bronze medallist Joshua Buatsi will also be aiming to collect his first major title when he faces Liam Conroy for the British light-heavyweight belt.
Ghana-born Buatsi – a surgical boxer-puncher who possesses an assuredness in the ring that belies his current experience levels – is tipped for big things and has been described in no uncertain terms by promoter Eddie Hearn as a world champion in the making, in addition to one of the most promising prospects in the world.
Provided he emerges victorious as expected, a showdown against fellow former amateur medallist Callum Johnson – or a local derby against Anthony Yarde, should the latter become world champion – could be on the horizon.
Undefeated British cruiserweight champion Lawrence ‘Sauce’ Okolie – someone who has experience a similarly rapid career progression – faces seasoned veteran Wadi Camacho in the first defence of his title, following a dour and scrappy hugfest against Matty Askin in September at Wembley Stadium.
Nevertheless, local lad Okolie – who has expressed a willingness to face former champion Denis Lebedev – has impressed commentators with the athleticism, physical dominance and composure he has displayed in a short career, and his natural gifts coupled with his explosive punching power will surely make him a formidable force in the cruiserweight division in the not-too-distant future.
Also featuring on the card against Argentine German Benitez is Geordie lightweight Lewis Ritson, who headlined twice in Newcastle before suffering his sole career setback via split-decision to Franscisco Patera in October, alongside female debutant Shannon Courtenay and Donegal’s middleweight contender Jason Quigley, who, having previously based himself stateside, now trains out of Sheffield under the guidance of Dominic Ingle.
Article by: Navi Singh
Follow Navi on Twitter at: @DarkMan________