Charlie Edwards defeated Thomas Esomba in a hard-fought battle for the European bantamweight title at York Hall in London.
Essomba pressed Edwards hard when he returned to the contest, but the Croydon man eventually took a unanimous decision of 118-111, 117-111 and 116-112.
Edwards was uncomfortable seeing his older brother Sunny on the opposing team. Former world champion Sunny Edwards managed and advised Essomba and even supported him against his own brother.
Edwards will have to command the tough and demanding European champion Thomas Essomba.
Charlie Edwards may not have been fazed by this, but it was Essomba’s talent that made this a difficult contest.
Essomba, an Olympian from Cameroon, has moved forward, occasionally switching from left-handed to orthodox.
He broke Edwards with solid shots to keep the pressure on.
But the challenger utilized his quick footwork to shift position from side to side, denying Essomba the chance to catch him.
Edwards started the match well, but Essomba got right back into the contest.
Edwards reeled in a triple jab and crossed as he cruised to victory in a fight that was closer than the scorecard suggested.
A former flyweight world champion, winning the European bantamweight crown was a valuable step forward for Edwards in the division.
Edwards wants to compete for the World Championships once again.
He wants a grudge match with former gym mate Paul Butler, but is positioning himself for a future world title.
“Thomas is a difficult operator,” Edwards said after winning the European title. “That puts me in a very good position. I have options everywhere.”
His promoter Kalle Sauerland added: “Tonight the European champion is heading for the world title again, that’s where he belongs.
“We will enjoy a European title in the bank tonight and a world title next.”
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