Croydon world champion aiming to become an all-time British boxing great

Charlie Edwards admits his ultimate ambition is to become “an all-time great in British boxing” as he begins his WBC world title reign against Spain’s Angel Moreno at London’s Copper Box Arena on March 23.

The 25-year-old is making the first defence of his flyweight crown at the top of a stacked card featuring fellow Croydon puncher Joshua Buatsi challenging for the vacant British title against Liam Conroy.

“Headlining my own show is a dream come true in itself,” said Edwards. “I’m incredibly thankful to Eddie Hearn and Adam Smith for giving me this opportunity.

“There’s some great fighters and match-ups on my undercard. I feel really luck and blessed. I’ve also got former GB team-mates on the show as well. There’s something for everyone, so it can’t disappoint.”

Edwards ripped the famous green belt from Cristofer Rosales on an emotional night at The O2 in London in December, outclassing the Nicaraguan with a masterful display to take a well-earned unanimous decision.

Now he is eager to start the next chapter of his career, setting himself the target of winning a world title at another weight class, with potential clashes with British rival Kal Yafai and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai laying ahead at super-flyweight.

“First and foremost, I’ve got to focus 100 per cent on Angel Moreno,” said Edwards. “He’s a top-class operator and a hard fight. He’s a very tough and game fighter who will be coming to steal my title from me.

“He’s a mature man and he doesn’t shy away from any opportunities. We’ve sparred 24 rounds together and on the night it’s going to heat up nicely.

“But I believe, and I’ll put it out there, this is my time. Timing is everything and it’s all come right. All the other fights, they will unfold in the future. I’m ready now to fight anyone and everyone. I’m in this game to build a legacy. I don’t want to pick and choose my opponents.

I want to be a British great, and to be a British great I want to be a multi-weight world champion, and this new book, it starts now.

“The hard work really starts now, and it’s about dedicating myself. I’m obsessed with the game, obsessed with getting better, day in, day out. I want to be known as an all-time great in British boxing.”