Thomas Essomba vs Charlie Edwards weigh-in results
European bantamweight title fight is live and free on Channel 5 tomorrow night at 10pm
Challenger Charlie Edwards (19-1, 7KO) and European bantamweight champion Thomas Essomba (13-8-1, 3KO) weighed in ahead of tonight’s Friday fight night on Channel 5, which takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green.
The Wasserman Boxing event is titled ‘Family Feud’ due to Charlie’s younger brother, Sunny, occupying Essomba’s corner as his manager.
Both brothers are former world champions and, although they are friendly now, they have had many falling outs in recent times. However, that added spice isn’t necessarily needed, as Edwards is desperate to settle a score with the Cameroon-born Olympian Essomba after they argued on social media many years ago.
Edwards has vowed to make him pay by knocking him out, but Essomba is adamant he won’t be leaving the iconic east end venue without his title.
Running Order
Doors open at 6pm
First bout at 7:15pm
Laura Reoyo: 140.2lbs
Hannah Robinson: 140.2lbs
Brayan Mairena: 130.8lbs
Brandan Olbrechts: 134.2lbs
Nikolas Dzurnak: 161.1lbs
Joel Bartell: 162.8lbs
Yin Caicedo: 124.9lbs
Danny Boardman: 127.4lbs
Grant Dennis: 170.1lbs
Germaine Brown: 170.2lbs
Live on Channel 5 at 10pm
Darwing Martínez: 127.5lbs
Tom Wellend: 126.3lbs
EBU European Bantamweight title
Charlie Edwards: 117.4lbs
Thomas Essomba: 117.6lbs
Float
Victor Edagha: TBC
Hasnan Ali: TBC
Final Press Conference
The bantamweight rivals almost came to blows during the final presser when challenger Charlie put his hands Essomba’s European belt.
Charlie Edwards: “I’ve had Essomba in my line of sight for a while now and I’ve not forgotten the disrespect he showed me after my world title fight with Martinez, all those years ago, goading me in a direct message on social media.
“My brother may think he knows me better than anyone, but there is nothing Sunny can do, or say, to stop me from devastatingly ripping the European title from Essomba by vicious knockout.
“This is the biggest fight of my career and of Essomba’s career too, and he should enjoy every second of having Sunny by his side during the build-up because, once the bell goes, it’ll just be me and him and I plan on making him pay for what he has said to me.”
Thomas Essomba: “People need to remember who the champion is, in this fight. This is my belt, and this is a voluntary defence, I have given Charlie this opportunity, he hasn’t earned it – don’t be fooled into thinking otherwise.
“I have been through so much in my life and career to get to this point and there is no way I am leaving York Hall without that belt.”
Kalle Sauerland: “It’s Edwards vs Essomba on September 27, live on Channel 5 – but it’s also Edwards vs Edwards!
“Has British boxing ever seen anything like this before, with two brothers on the opposite side of the ring in a major title fight?
“Charlie, in one corner, planning to rip the title away from Sunny’s charge, Essomba, whilst in the other, Sunny is helping hatch a plan to derail his brother’s comeback.
“It’s like something out of a movie but this isn’t Hollywood, it’s as real as it gets, and it will play out, live to the nation, on Channel 5!”
Sunny Edwards: “This is a great opportunity for both fighters.
“For our champion Thomas Essomba it’s his biggest night of his career, defending his European title headlining live on Channel 5 against a former world champion.
“For my brother an opportunity to save his career and return to big nights.
“The journey Essomba has taken to get here, means he deserves every chance he can get and I will be supporting him fully just like I would with all the fighters I manage.
“What happens in the ring stays in the ring and it’s between Thomas and Charlie who wins on the night.
“I’m proud of both of them and I am really looking forward to a great night of championship boxing – but don’t get confused I’m Sunny Essomba on September 27.”
Betting Odds (Ladbrokes)
Charlie Edwards – 1/12
Thomas Essomba – 13/2
Draw – 18/1