(Interview by Shaun Brown)
BN: How did you and your new trainer Stephen Smith link up?
CE: My decision to work with my strength and conditioning coach, Johnny Reynolds, was primarily influenced by him being highly regarded by top coaches. I was unsure about my next steps after parting ways with my previous coach, Joe Gallagher. I didn’t want to be just another fighter in a crowded gym, so I took my time to assess my options. Attending a Matchroom show to network, I coincidentally learned that Stephen Smith, someone I’ve always admired, was getting into coaching. It felt like a perfect match since Stephen had always been kind to me during my early days as a prospect. He also had valuable experience, having been in two world title fights and being surrounded by his brothers who fought big names like Canelo Alvarez and Andre Ward. It was an obvious choice for me, considering his boxing knowledge and our shared values. We had a conversation the week before he officially started coaching, and we connected on many levels. When he eventually joined me in Portugal for a trial training session, alongside Callum Smith before his fight with Artur Beterbiev, I knew it was the right fit. Everything about it felt right, and I asked Stephen to be my coach. He promised to give me his all, and it’s exactly what I’ve needed as a fighter. My upcoming performance on April 12 will showcase the tremendous impact he’s had on my development. I’m learning so much from him, and it’s a refreshing experience. People like Andy Lee, Anthony Crolla, and Stephen Smith represent a new breed of coaches who are not only experienced veterans of the sport but have also fought for and won titles.
BN: Is camp life now in Liverpool?
CE: Our camp kicked off with a week in Portugal, and during that time, he assured me that we could manage both Portugal and Liverpool. This was a refreshing revelation for me, as I have a three-year-old daughter and a wife waiting for me back in Liverpool. I’ve taken a rental place there, and my routine consists of eating, sleeping, training, and repeating. It’s an isolated setup, allowing me to focus entirely on becoming the best version of myself. These past hardships have only fueled my hunger, determination, and professionalism. I’ve stepped up my efforts, making sure I’m doing everything right and growing as a person. I’ve made the choice to quit drinking, and I haven’t touched alcohol for the past 18-20 months. I’ve invested a lot in myself during this two-year training camp. I’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes, and on April 12, I will prove that I’m back and stronger than ever.
BN: You mentioned you’d quit drinking. Was it becoming a problem in your life before then?
CE: Absolutely, without a doubt. When I was competing in the gym, I always maintained a high level of professionalism. However, once I became a world champion, I struggled to handle the pressure and it had a yo-yo effect on my performance. The negative energy and distractions that came with being at the top really took a toll on me. It became a way for me to cope with my social anxiety, as I went from being nobody to somebody overnight. People would constantly approach me on the street, reminding me about my mom’s illness. Although I appreciated the support, emotionally, it was difficult for me to handle at the time. The media coverage only made it more challenging, as it seemed like I couldn’t escape it anywhere I went. It was a tough personal battle, especially while trying to maintain the flyweight limit. Looking back, I realize that perhaps being a flyweight was not the best decision for me. I won a world title at a weight class that wasn’t ideal for me, which is quite remarkable. My mental health suffered, and the pressures became overwhelming. However, I have since grown and matured, doing the inner work necessary to distance myself from alcohol and its negative impact on me. Cutting out alcohol has brought about positive changes in my life. I owe a great deal to my supportive wife, who has been there for me throughout. When I was a world champion, we weren’t together, but she has played a significant role in my development as a man. This phase of my career feels like a rebirth. The Charlie Edwards who was once a world champion is now a completely transformed individual. I had to go through dark times to truly understand myself. I acknowledge that I let myself down as a world champion by indulging in excessive drinking and rushing back into training camps. I knew that my reckless behavior was affecting me negatively, and I wasn’t being the best version of myself. I carry some regret, but it has fueled a new inner drive within me to reach new heights. Now, I have the right support system around me. I have teamed up with Wasserman and will be featured on Channel 5. It is time for me to reveal my true self and showcase my abilities.
BN: Would you say you had an alcohol addiction? How much were you drinking?
CE: No, I wouldn’t go as far as saying that, but it did affect my judgment and was more prevalent in inappropriate situations. Following the controversial world title defense against Julio Cesar Martinez, which was declared a no contest, I found myself sober for only about five days the following month. While I had occasionally indulged in drinking during breaks between training camps after becoming a world champion, the prolonged period of excessive drinking really took a toll on my mental well-being. It not only affected other aspects of my life, but also exacerbated my anxiety. I couldn’t attend social events without relying on alcohol, and even the slightest bit of attention would make me paranoid. However, I managed to overcome these challenges and now I can confidently attend any event where alcohol is present without any anxiety or concern about people’s opinions of me. Social media played a significant role in my struggles after the world title fight. I read too many negative comments while under the influence of alcohol, which plunged me into a dark place. Thankfully, that time has passed. Conquering those inner demons has transformed me into a completely different person. I feel much stronger and more determined, and I believe it’s my time to shine once again. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason.
BN: The title for the show you’re headlining on April 12 is ‘Don’t Call It a Comeback’. I’ve heard you say it’s all about resurgence.
CE: The reason it’s called “that” is because I have never left my position. The world championship I won was five years ago. I faced my struggles silently, with only my wife by my side. I persevered and made it through. Over the past two years, I have been dedicated to grinding in the gym. Even before then, I was always in the gym, but my lifestyle was chaotic and my life was a mess. Being a family man, my priority is my family, especially my daughter. However, during this entire time, all I have been doing is training relentlessly, week after week, without any breaks. My dedication has reached an extreme level. This is my life; it means everything to me, and I want to achieve the success I know I deserve. Unfortunately, I have faced numerous setbacks. I have encountered issues with management and promotional matters that haven’t worked out. Dealing with lawyers has consumed a significant amount of time, and I am unable to discuss it publicly. The circumstances could have gone either way, but I am not the type to give up. It’s not in my nature. Many would have given up after going from being at the top of the world to being forgotten, but I have chosen to push harder than ever. I believe that my hard work will pay off, and staying active is crucial. Within the next 12 to 18 months, I plan to have four fights, which is quite uncommon nowadays. Those who had the chance to fight me in the past will regret not taking the opportunity because once I have a few fights under my belt and face bigger opponents, I will become a formidable force.
Prior to his fight against Julio Cesar Martinez, Charlie Edwards (Photo by Dave Thompson)
BN: After everything you’ve been through fighting must feel like the easy part of it all.
CE: Boxing has always been my saving grace, a way for me to channel my excess energy and cope with my ADHD. Without it, it becomes difficult to deal with. Training and stepping into the ring provide me with an outlet to release any negative emotions and boost my self-esteem. It makes me feel confident and powerful. Boxing itself is the easy part; it’s pulling myself out of difficult situations that has been the real challenge. But now, I feel like I’ve overcome those obstacles and the future looks promising. I truly believe that Stephen Smith and I will achieve great things in this sport. It requires unwavering faith and a determination to keep moving forward. Just look at fighters like Leigh Wood, who everyone had given up on, yet he bounced back and achieved success. The same goes for Jordan Gill and Tasha Jonas. We fighters must keep pushing and those who persist are rewarded.
BN: Are there any concerns that your best years are behind you?
CE: If I had made different choices, I would have been busier. However, that would have prevented me from working on myself and adopting a different mindset. It’s a difficult thought to process. Doubts do arise, but due to my dedication and the importance of this journey to me, I must use doubt as motivation. I am determined to make a powerful comeback. I am aware of the hard work I have put in; it means the world to me. Losing my world champion title was a setback, but I don’t believe I have lost my prime years. I won a world title at a young age, 25, and even fought for my first world title at 23 in my ninth fight. Perhaps this time away has been a hidden blessing, allowing me to develop and mature as a person. I have gained valuable experience and a new perspective on the game. Away from the public eye, I have been quietly growing and evolving. This could be the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have recently turned 31 and am entering the peak years of my career. I am feeling energized, as I have always taken great care of my health and lifestyle as an athlete. I can confidently say what I have accomplished, and now I must prove it.
