Beddington boxer Charlie Edwards says he will not let up in his quest to reach the London 2012 Olympics as he is out to become a world beater.
The 17-year-old light flyweight beat Luqmaan Patel - thanks to a unanimous decision at York Hall - on Sunday to lift the Junior ABA 48kg London Area title and progess through to the National semi-finals later this year.
Former England schoolboys captain and two-time Golden Gloves champion Edwards is on the Team GB development pathway for 2012 and flies to Azebaijan for the World Youth Championships next month.
It will be a busy eight months for the English number one, but he sees it as a necessary stepping stone for the future as he isn’t satisfied with being top dog in just his own country.
Even if it means keeping a close eye on his waist line for the next two years.
“There is no-one holding my weight at the moment. I’ve proved myself at 48kg and I think I would do well in the seniors now,” he said.
“The weight changes to 49kg next so I shouldn’t have any problems. I’m not expecting a big growing spurt because my mum and dad are small and I’m already towering above them.
“The next eight months are going to put me well on the stepping stones towards London. It will give me the experience I need to compete at that level.
“When you get to the top it makes me train harder because everyone will want to take my position, so that drives you on.
“I don’t want to just be the best in England, I want to be the best in the world.”
Former Earlsfied ABC member Edwards quit Newham ABC last year to join Hollington ABC, where he has teamed up with trainer Gary Hale and twice Commonwealth Games silver medalist - and AFC Wimbledon fan - Darran Langley.
The Beacon High School sixth former’s victory at the weekend came three weeks after beating Patel in the UK Clubs for Young People (CYP) London title, and Edwards knows who he will be thanking for his progress so far.
“I thought I boxed really well. My movement was sharp all the way through,” he added.
“I’ve just been boxing really well. The move was so that I could get a better trainer and with Darran helping out as well I think it has made a real difference.”
Schedule of a rising star.....
April - World Youth Championships, Azerbaijan.
June - Klitchko Cup international tournament, Ukraine.
August - Youth Olympics, Singapore.
November - Strizchov Cup, Russia.
December - Agalarov Cup, Azerbaijan.
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