Paul Edwards is Eager For a Rematch With Satchell

Jun 28, 2012 • 3:31 AM ET

By John Evans

Some fighters are luckier than others. There are those whose careers are laid out in front of them and they progress along their set path encountering little resistance as they learn the intricacies of the sport. Others are forced into battle from day one. Liverpool’s Paul Edwards falls into the second category.

In the space of just 11 professional outings, the flyweight has experienced more than many fighters do in their entire careers. Having served a brief apprenticeship, ‘Eddy’ was still an eight fight novice when he claimed the British title with a victory over the teak tough Shinny Bayaar.

Since then he has lost the title in a 2011 domestic fight of the year candidate with Chris Edwards, endured a frustrating nine month lay off and recently suffered a stoppage defeat to his local rival – and Liverpool’s latest young hope – Kevin Satchell for the Commonwealth strap. Edwards, 9-2 (3), is still only 25-years-old but, four years into his career, he finds himself taking on yet another role.

“I’m gonna be the underdog when I make my comeback,” said Edwards when speaking to BoxingScene. “I’ve been through all the ups and downs in boxing since I’ve been a pro but I think there’s still more to give, definitely”

Edwards’ latest outing was certainly one of the ‘downs’. Although his meeting with local rival Satchell was expected to be a thrilling nip and tuck battle, he entered it as a clear favourite. The promised war never took place as Satchell put in a punch perfect performance, forcing Edwards’ corner to throw in the towel in the 10th round. The result forced the upbeat Scouser into a period of reflection.

“I’ve realised what went wrong,” says Edwards. “There were a few things. I don’t want to make excuses but I had flu 10-days before and it took everything out of me I think. Going in to the fight, mentally I was thinking: ‘I don’t feel too strong’. I’ve had a meeting with Franny [Smith, Edwards’ trainer] and we realised what it was. I’ve been back in the gym for two-weeks now and I’m going to put things right. He had his best night and I had my worst. I know that sounds a bit negative towards him but I’m only speaking how I feel.”

It’s hard to imagine Edwards being in a dull fight. The Salisbury ABC product is usually a living caricature of flyweight, walking forward and throwing punches from first bell to last. At the lighter weights, a sluggish performance can often be put down to the struggles of boiling down to the weight. That isn’t the case in this instance.

“I make eight stone easily enough,” says the former British flyweight champion. “I’ll definitely come back at flyweight. In an ideal world I’d love a rematch with Kev’ [Satchell]. I’ll take nothing away from him – he put in a great performance. I had a terrible performance, though. If we come back on even terms it’ll be an even better fight. I believe I’ll come out the winner.

“I’d definitely come back straight into a rematch, but I suppose ideally I’d get a few eight rounders in and then – if Kevin fights [British champion] Chris Edwards – fight the winner of that. Boxing’s a mad game isn’t it? I could end up getting a shot at Chris Edwards. I’ve seen it happen before! People have seen me get beat now and perform badly so Chris might think, ‘I’ll beat him easier this time’, and take me in a voluntary. I hope he does!”

Edwards’ hopes for an activity filled end to 2012 were dealt a blow this week with the news that Sky television have chosen to dispense with the services of his promoter Frank Maloney and his small but talented stable. The decision to no longer follow the progress of Britain’s brightest heavyweight hope David Price has attracted plenty of criticism, but I find it just as disappointing – and unfathomable – that entertaining, whole hearted fighters like Edwards now need to find a new home to showcase their skills.

“Things are a bit up in the air with Frank and Sky TV but there are a few promoters in Liverpool like Stephen Vaughan so hopefully I can have a good chat with Stephen and see what’s happening,” reasoned Edwards. “Frank should let me fight on other shows, in fact I know for a fact that he will, because he doesn’t have many shows. I’m good friends with Stephen and I trust him so hopefully I can get on a few of Stephen’s.”

Wherever the fights take place, Paul Edwards is hell-bent on getting back to winning ways. He is ready to start the next part of his rollercoaster ride of a career and he badly needs it to be the beginning of another steady climb to the top.

“I’m back in the gym and more determined than ever,” he said. “I know people say that I didn’t but I know for a fact that I let a lot of people down. My main focus now is putting things right and getting back on winning terms.”