Ashley Sexton v Chris Edwards set for November 13th
Ashley 'Flash Ash' Sexton returns to action in style on November 13th, as chief support to David Haye's WBA heavyweight title defence against Audley Harrison at the MEN Arena in Manchester. Sexton 9(5)-0-1 takes on reigning Commonwealth champ Chris Edwards 14(4)-14-3 in a mouthwatering clash between two of the country's most exciting flyweights.
"I'm really excited. Chris Edwards was a name that was mentioned before I went pro saying I'd fight him for a title and stuff like that so it's a big, talked about fight and one I'm fully confident of winning", said Sexton.
"It's a real chance for me to shine. Styles make fights and mine and Chris' styles will gel and he's going to be on the receiving end of a lot of stick.
"Everyone knows I carry real power and I think Chris could get laid out."
Sexton boxes for the first time since a hard fought draw against British champion Shinny Bayaar, in which the Cheshunt man showed impressive resolve to fight his way back into a contest that had looked like slipping away. Competing in only his 10th professional fight, some saw Bayaar as a step too far too soon, but Sexton refuses to make excuses.
"I didn't get it together on the night. I'm not going to make any excuses, I just didn't perform,"explained Sexton.
"I could have done with an extra two rounds, cos he was dying in the last round and I was on top, but mistakes were made and it's just something I have to deal with.
"It was a great performance from Shinny, I can see why he's avoided. He's strong, doesn't stop coming and is very awkward but I'd still like to fight him again. I know I can beat him and I know I can put in a good performance doing it.
"I'd never been past 6 rounds before but now I've done 12 and I know how to pace myself, I know I can do the 12 and I'm better prepared."
Since that bout, Sexton has made changes to his training set-up, the former England International amateur joining forces with Pete Marcasciano and Adam Booth at Hayemaker HQ, adding to a stable that already includes David Haye and Commonwealth super-middleweight king George Groves.
"It's amazing. To be in the gym with George Groves who I've known for 10 years and David as well, sometimes I have to pinch myself," said Sexton.
"I'm being trained by Pete Marcasciano underneath Adam Booth and they're both so knowledgeable, they break everything down and work me hard and at the minute I'm like a big sponge, I'm just learning.
"They've basically stripped me down to just the frame and put me back piece by piece. Me and Pete have been in the gym for hours just working on one shot and then once we've got that one we work on another one and show Adam who takes me on the pads and works me through it again.
"The thing with Pete and Adam is they break it down, it's a science. Everything that I do now, I do for a reason, and I think it's made a massive difference.
"I really do feel we're going to start seeing me knock people spark out because of the things we've been working on, that I've never worked on in my life. I feel sorry for the flyweights that have to fight me now cos they're going to get badly busted up."
As well as Stoke's Chris Edwards, those flyweights include Paul Edwards and current British champ Shinny Bayaar who are scheduled to box each other later in the year, forging an impressive quartet of fighters who could provide some great action in the next 12 months.
"Whoever's the winner of Paul Edwards and Shinny, I'll want to fight cos obviously they'll be the British title holder but even if Shinny doesn't win, I'd still like to fight him cos it's something I've got to put right.
"Hopefully I'll add the Commonwealth title to the mix and we can set up a unification.
"You could even add a fifth name, if Lee Haskins wins the European title at Flyweight that's a big incentive for all of us so that's another possibility too."
Flyweight looks like a hugely exciting domestic division then that's on the brink of some fantastic fights in the coming year, all starting on November 13th.
