UNBEATEN 23-year-old Charlie Edwards said his clash with International Boxing Federation flyweight champion Johnreil Casimero of the Philippines is “a massive step up” for him.
Edwards feels in great shape and is confident of winning his first world title in the undercard of the Gennady Golovkin-Kell Brook showdown at the O2 Arena on Saturday, despite it being only the ninth professional bout of his fledgling career.
Edwards told Sky Sports in London he is confident of claiming his first world belt against Casimero, who boxing man and matchmaker Sean Gibbons believes is “the best kept secret” among Filipino boxers.
The Manila Standard watched Casimero train relentlessly at the Victory Mall in Caloocan City and he looked ripped and ready during 10 rounds on the punch-mitts with veteran trainer Jhun Agrabio.
The trainer said that despite the hand-speed and footwork of Edwards, Casimero will catch him by the middle rounds and put him away, pointing out that while he may have the speed he cannot match the Filipino’s power.
Edwards told Sky Sports News HQ from his Marbella training camp. “He (Casimero) is a two-weight world champion, but I believe I’m ready, my team believes I’m ready and Eddie and Barry Hearn believe I’m ready. I’ve had the best camp ever. I feel in great shape and in great condition so I’m really going in there full of confidence to rip this belt off Johnriel Casimero.”