Charlie Edwards to challenge Sunny Edwards-managed Thomas Essomba on September 27

Charlie Edwards is to fight Thomas Essomba for the European bantamweight title on September 27 at York Hall.

The 31 year old relaunched his career in April with a convincing victory over Georges Ory at the same venue.

On that night his younger brother Sunny joined his new trainer Stephen Smith in his corner, but Sunny Edwards is the 36-year-old Essomba’s manager, and Charlie Edwards said: “These are the fights that gets the fire burning.

“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 [Julio Cesar] 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.”

Charlie Edwards is considered the favourite, but Essomba said: “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.”

Sunny Edwards in June defeated Mexico’s Adrian Curiel, and for all that he and his brother are again on good terms after a previous feud, he insisted it is Essomba he will support. 

“This is a great opportunity for both fighters,” he said. “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.”