Safety-first approach fails to pay off for South London boxer Charlie Edwards

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Charlie Edwards has conceded he played it “too safe” in his loss to Andrew Cain.

The 32-year-old South Londoner (20-2) was on the wrong end of a split decision points decision in Liverpool on Saturday night in a bout which had the British and Commonwealth bantamweight titles on the line.

Edwards’ tactics came in for criticism from the crowd – who booed the fact he did not stand and trade with Cain (14-1), who had home advantage.

And former world champion Carl Frampton, on punditry duty for TNT Sports, was scathing with his appraisal. He said:  “With that style Charlie Edwards imposed tonight, it is going to be difficult to get him a fight. Nobody wants to watch that.

“I understand tactically that is what they thought would give him the best chance of winning the fight, but there is running and there is running – that was maybe a bit too much.”

One judge scored it 115-113 in Edwards’ favour but the other two marked it 115-114 and 116-112 as he suffered a first reverse in the professional ranks since 2016.

“It was close,” Edwards told Boxing Social. “I thought I won it but I’m going to give him respect.

“I switched off in the middle rounds. I was a bit lazy, even though I was making him miss. I can understand why the judges were going against me.

“He is a good fighter. Maybe one day we can run it back. I knew he was a powerful puncher – he has knocked people out left, right and centre.

“I boxed well in spells but probably played it a little bit too safe in terms of pulling the trigger more in the middle rounds.

“There was only a rematch clause on their side. I’m going to probably kick myself when I watch it back.

“I have come from the graveyard. This comeback trail has been five years since I have been in a big arena fight. It was good to show my skills.

“It’s all experience. I will take this on the chin like a real man.

“I am happy to have been in a proper fight and back on the big scene. There will be plenty more big fights in big stadiums.”

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