Ahead of Friday’s IBF super-flyweight final eliminator against Sikho Nqothole, Charlie Edwards once again finds himself at the centre of a familiar debate around his career and whether he is passed his best or reaching his peak.
Overrated or overlooked?
The former WBC flyweight world champion continues to divide opinion in British boxing, especially when discussing whether Charlie Edwards is passed his best or reaching his peak.
The elder Edwards brother is a former world champion. However, questions still linger over his level despite notable victories over Cristofer Rosales, Ángel Moreno and Thomas Essomba.
His career has also featured setbacks at the highest level. Edwards was stopped in the tenth round by John Riel Casimero in a world title challenge. Many felt that fight came too early in his development at just 23 years old.
More recently, he suffered a split decision defeat to Andrew Cain in March 2025. The fight never fully caught fire, and Edwards appeared hesitant from the opening bell against the heavy-handed Liverpudlian.
In addition, a defeat to Julio César Martínez, later ruled a no contest, also forms part of a career that has fluctuated between world-level success and frustrating setbacks at domestic level.
With his highs and lows established, the question turns again to whether Charlie Edwards is passed his best or reaching his peak in terms of overall ability.
Charlie Edwards is passed his best or reaching his peak: world-level ability
Edwards has long been regarded as a skilled operator at world level. However, like his brother Sunny Edwards, he has often been questioned for a lack of world-class punching power, with just seven stoppages in 21 professional wins.
His rise through the ranks was rapid, and he earned a world title shot in just his ninth professional fight and only 18 months after turning over.
That early leap came against John Riel Casimero. Many felt that step arrived too soon.
He rebuilt his career back at domestic level. Furthermore, he earned another world title opportunity against Cristofer Rosales, with the WBC flyweight belt on the line.
On that night, Edwards delivered arguably the defining performance of his career. He entered as the underdog and produced a disciplined, composed 12-round display to outbox Rosales and claim world honours.
It was a performance that underlined his technical ability. As a result, it proved that at his best, he belonged at world level.
Charlie Edwards is passed his best or reaching his peak: recent setbacks
However, doubts have followed him since that breakthrough moment.
A move into tougher world-level opposition brought new issues that were clear to see.
Against Julio César Martínez, weight drain and a relentless high-pressure style appeared to blunt Edwards’ effectiveness.
As a result, he struggled to establish control in the fight and was stopped in three rounds.
Those concerns were echoed again in his more recent defeat to Andrew Cain.
Edwards was reluctant to engage consistently, and he often boxed at range while failing to assert himself against a naturally aggressive opponent.
It is that recurring theme, caution against pressure fighters, that has shaped much of the criticism around him.
Charlie Edwards: The Nqothole test
Now, Edwards faces another defining test in Friday’s IBF super-flyweight final eliminator against Sikho Nqothole.
The South African is expected to bring steady pressure and look to engage early. He will aim to force Edwards into uncomfortable exchanges from the outset.
It is exactly the kind of fight that has previously brought scrutiny to Edwards’ approach. A physical, front-foot opponent will look to break rhythm and impose himself by cutting off the ring and applying constant pressure. In addition, he will look to slow Edwards down to the body early in the contest.
So the question remains: are the doubts around Charlie Edwards justified by what we have seen at the highest level, or are we being too harsh on a fighter who has already proven he possesses genuine world-class ability?
