Boxing
Will York Hall return bring out the best in title-chasing Edwards?
Edwards vs. Nqothole on DAZN subscription – Friday
Trainer Stephen Smith is confident fight fans will see the best of Charlie Edwards on Friday night.
Edwards, 33, returns to the iconic York Hall in Bethnal Green for the seventh time in his pro career to lock horns with Sikho Nqothole in a final eliminator for the IBF world super-flyweight title.
And Smith, who has worked with the former WBC flyweight champ since early 2024, believes a packed house in London and those watching the MF Pro show on DAZN are in for a treat.
Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, he said: “Camp has been really good. Charlie looks as good as he’s ever done.
“We’ve had to change a few things tactically but I’m really confident. This fight is a really good match-up for Charlie and I think we’re going to see the best of him.
“Fighting at York Hall helps Charlie in terms of he enjoys being at home — and this feels very much like a home venue for him.
“He’s got good experience and has had really good nights there. He’s excited about having another one.”
Boasting 21 victories from 24 bouts, both fighters have almost identical records in the paid ranks.
While Edwards has lost just twice, his South African opponent has been beaten three times. Nqothole has also notched 13 stoppages to the Surrey native’s seven, suggesting the 31-year-old carries more power.
But Smith insists his man’s quest to become a two-weight world champion will not be derailed.
He added: “When you get to this level, every fight’s important. If you don’t win, you don’t get the next one.
“None more so than a final eliminator as you know you’re going to fight for the title if you win, particularly with the IBF.
“They’re really strict and will make sure it happens, so Charlie knows that if he wins he’ll box for the IBF title next.”
A two-time world title challenger, Smith hung up his gloves in June 2021. Now, almost five years later, he is loving life as a coach.
He said: “I’m really enjoying being a trainer. I’ve got some good fighters in my stable and it’s the nearest thing you get to boxing, which I really miss. I’d love to still fight but I’m 40 now, unfortunately.
“This is the nearest you get and I really enjoy the coaching side and helping other fighters. I get my success through them.”
Watch Fury vs. Hall exclusively on DAZN
'The Beauty' Tommy Fury fights the 'The Beast' Eddie Hall on a great Misfit's fight night on Saturday, June 13, exclusively live on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27), Joshua vs. Prenga (July 25) and Canelo vs. M'billi (Sept 12) PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
