New WBC flyweight champion Charlie Edwards has confirmed that he is looking to set up a showdown against British rival Kal Yafai.
The 25-year-old Sutton fighter became world champion with a unanimous points win over Nicaraguan boxer Cristofer Rosales on the undercard of Dillian Whyte’s heavyweight victory against Dereck Chisora at the O2 Arena on December 22.
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Edwards now has plans to try and unify the flyweight division while also keen to go head-to-head with long-term rival and current WBA super-flyweight champion, Yafai.
He did not specify in which weight division any bout would take place, but Edwards is doubtful that Yafai would take the challenge – which is why he is looking at other options, including a possible rematch with Rosales.
He told Sky Sports: “He’s on the radar, 100 per cent. It could be next, because I would have it next, but I know he won’t, so it probably won’t be next.
“I don’t think he wants to entertain me at all. He made that pretty clear during the year when I was trying to call for the fight.
“When I moved down to flyweight, I stated to Eddie (Hearn), I’m ready for anyone and everyone, and that’s why he gave me the No 1 flyweight in the division, and I went and did the performance that I did, and now I’m the No 1. “I’m ready to build a legacy, and have proper fights.”
On a possible rematch with Rosales, Edwards added: “The rematch clause might be in place. I believe I will beat him better the second time. I’ve got his rhythm, I’ve got his range, he can’t outbox me.
“The only thing he can do is try and press me harder. When he presses me harder, that just opens more openings to hit him. He tried to press me hard, he really did, but reality was I am punching [harder] now, and I was hurting him.
“He couldn’t just walk through me, like he walked through Paddy Barnes and put him away. He had to respect my punching power, and my ability. If he comes harder, there will be more opportunities for me to take.”
