Edwards steps up preparations for Bayaar
Liverpool flyweight Paul Edwards, a welcome recent addition to the BoxRec forum, has commenced his training schedule for his British title challenge to Oldham-based Mongolian Shinny Bayaar. The fight, which has been earmarked for either the 15 or 18 December, is expected to take place in Belfast on the undercard of Martin Lindsay’s British featherweight defence against John Simpson.
“Even 10 days ago I was meant to be fighting in November then they moved it to December before ringing me last week and said it looked likely to be in January. There were times when I didn’t think it was going to happen and I was gutted to be honest. But I got a call a few days later to say it’s on for December. Luckily I stayed in the gym and kept in shape,” revealed Edwards to the Liverpool Echo.
The unbeaten 24-year-old, 7-0 (1), has endured a frustrating time since turning pro in July 2008 which has seen him experience almost as many postponements as he’s had fights.
“I had a nightmare last year when six fighters pulled out against me. It was the worst luck ever but finally my chance has come down. I’ve got to put it on him (Bayaar) from the start but will do because this is a British title fight,”
“I have been watching that last fight (against Ashley Sexton) of Bayaar’s every day, he’s all I’m going to be watching between now and the fight. I’ll probably put his picture on my wall. I got the DVD from Sky of his last fight and know it is going to be a hard night because he is a very good champion, but now is time for him to give that belt up,” continued Edwards.
The domestic flyweight division is warming up nicely. Ashley Sexton, who controversially scraped a draw with Bayaar in May, will challenge Commonwealth champion Chris Edwards (no relation to Paul) on the undercard of David Haye’s heavyweight showdown against Audley Harrison in Manchester on Nov 13.
The winner of that, or indeed the loser (given how modern day Boxing works), could realistically meet the winner of Edwards-Bayaar to determine Britain’s best ‘little'un’ in the new year.
