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CHARLIE EDWARDS won the European bantamweight title with a tough win over Thomas Essomba at York Hall.Essomba, who is managed by Edward’s brother Sunny, may feel a bit aggrieved at the judge’s scoring in what was a hard-fought clash in east London.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow our live blog below…’I feel mint’Sams said: “It was raining all day, I finished work, got home at 2.30pm and got the call. I said yea I’ll take it.”I was definitely coming for the win. I saw his hands going low so I’d see if he could take [the power].”I’m buzzing, I feel mint, so proud.”Copy linkCopiedTommy Sams out of nowhereLet’s just reiterate what we’ve just seen there, on Friday afternoon Tommy Sams was at work in Yorkshire and did not know he’d be in the ring tonight until he got a late phone call.The Doncaster-born boxer made his pro debut in 2019 and then had five years away from the sport.He drove down to London today and then just put on a brilliant show, moving on to 4-0.Copy linkCopiedHasnan Ali vs Tommy Sams – Round 1Well that was not in the script!On his debut, Hasnan Ali had massive support inside York Hall – it was arguably louder for that fight than for Charlie Edwards.Tommy Sams only got the call to fight this time last night and comes out swinging.He then catches Ali with a huge right hand – hanging his chin out – and from there Sams doesn’t miss a shout against the wobbling east Londoner.The referee eventually steps in and stops the fight midway through the first round.Ali is then left needing oxygen in the corner and, thankfully, is fine.Copy linkCopiedWhat next for Edwards?Charlie Edwards has a pretty clear pathway to what he wants in the coming 12 months.Wearing a t-shirt with Paul Butler on it, the new champ called out the bantamweight as well as his trainer, Joe Gallagher.He also said he was interested in going over to Japan to fight one of Akhiko Honda’s stable.Edwards said: “Thomas [Essomba] is a tricky operator, I knew that coming in, but I’ve put myself in a good position.”Mr Honda, I would like to come out there (Japan) and take a belt off of one of your champions!”Copy linkCopiedAnd the new!Charlie Edwards steals the European title from Thomas Essomba and his comeback journey continues on from here.The judges score it 117-111, 116-112, 118-111 – the fight felt a lot closer to me than that, but clearly the judges were more impressed with the work rate and volume done by Edwards over the bigger power punches by Essomba.We’ll hear from the new champ shortly.Copy linkCopiedWe await the judges scorecard now…Judges scorecards will be red out any second now, it’ll come down to how the judges see it – work rate or quality of shots.Copy linkCopiedEssomba vs Edwards – Round 12Into the final round here and it starts with neither man really changing their tactics.Essomba still on the back foot but not willing to throw more than one shot at a time – although they are more painful – and Edwards throwing in a bit more volume but doing minimal damage to his opponent. Essomba lands a nice right hook and is met back with a nice left hook from Edwards.The champ now has his hands down and looks a bit more willing to exchange – but that looks to be a mistake as Edwards finds his mark with two good shots.He then gets a decent combination in that sends Essomba needing to take a step back.Edwards keeps coming forward and keeps throwing with volume – I think he may have done enough to steal that round.Just before the bell both men start celebrating as if they are the winner and, honestly, I’ve got no idea which way that’ll go.I score it 7-5 to Edwards but wouldn’t be surprised by any outcome.Copy linkCopiedEssomba vs Edwards – Round 11Essomba stepping up the pace here and throws a couple of wild lefts, neither of which get anywhere close to reaching their targets.Edwards then fires in a nice sharp jab, although it doesn’t look like it has done much damage.Essomba continues to pick and choose and now there’s a decent sized welt under Edwards’ right eye – he’s still throwing the more hurtful stuff.But the challenger keeps throwing and keeps coming forward. Edwards then ends the round with two really nice combinations, a one-two-three to the body and a triple jab.Essomba immediately lands a big hook of his own before Edwards gets a good shot in to the body.Final round next and this could go either way!Copy linkCopiedEssomba vs Edwards – Round 10Wow again, this fight is just non stop back and forth.As soon as one fighter lands a good shot he is immediately met with a strong return – both Edwards and Essomba will probably be thinking they won that round.Each fighter landed a couple of good shots and, therefore, took a couple of good ones.At this point it’s anyone’s fight – I have it level at 5-5.Copy linkCopiedEssomba vs Edwards – Round 9 Edwards starts the round very well with a sharp left hook and a good combination.But then, bang, Essomba lands a beauty of a right hand straight down the middle that has the crowd gasping.Edwards was certainly a bit stunned by that one – he had started the round coming forward but then noticeably took his foot off the gas for the the next minute or so after he was caught.The round ends with a nice little exchange with both fighters landing a couple of clean shots that would have caused a bit of damage.Again, these are all extremely tough rounds to score but heading into the final three I have it 5-4 to Edwards.Copy linkCopiedEssomba vs Edwards – Round 8Well eight rounds in now and this has been very difficult to score – it really will depend on what way the judges want to see it.Edwards is throwing so many more punches but a lot of them are just finding nothing at all.Essomba is carefully picking and choosing his shots but definitely has been the more accurate and is, seemingly, landing with a bit more power.Copy linkCopiedEssomba vs Edwards – Round 7Essomba is still content just to throw his shots in ones rather than offering up any combos.When he does land though he really is hitting with some power, but Edwards is happy throwing back whenever the distance is closed.Would love to see the stats on this one because Edwards seems like he’s thrown about five times as many punches.He’s not landing clean, however, while Essomba definitely is – he just needs to up his work rate.This is extremely finely balanced now we’re into the back half of the fight.Copy linkCopiedEssomba vs Edwards – Round 6Essomba certainly has some power inside them gloves but he’s just not been unwilling to unload too many.He’s landed one decent right in that round, but Edwards then unloads a flurry – but gets an uppercut back for his troubles.Much better from the champ this time as he’s found a bit of range and landed quite a few decent shots in that round – Edwards still in front for me, though.I have it at 4-2 after six.Copy linkCopiedEssomba vs Edwards – Round 5Strange performance so far from Essomba, in my opinion, there’s a thin line between waiting for an opportunity and looking inactive, and he’s on the wrong side of it.Edwards continues to come forward and although he isn’t landing the cleanest set of punches, you do imagine the volume and work rate will be impressive the judges.Essomba then does come in and Edwards glances – not quite flush – with a wicked uppercut.Copy linkCopiedEssomba vs Edwards – Round 4A little bit inactive from both men in that one, with Essomba looking especially unwilling to really unload his shots.Edwards landed a nice right and probably did just enough, again, to win the round.Copy linkCopiedEssomba vs Edwards – Round 3Southpaw Essomba starts the round with a solid left hook to the body and is clearly happy to punch off the back foot.Edwards keep pressing and finally lands a nice little 1-2 straight down the middle, before following it up with a solid uppercut.That uppercut stunned Essomba and that’s a clear winning round for Edwards, good stuff from him.Copy linkCopiedEssomba vs Edwards – Round 2European title is up for grabs at York Hall remember, Edwards looking more active and throwing more, but his punches haven’t yet found much range if we’re honest.Lots of feinting and movement by the pair, but little in the way of clean shots. Excellent finish to the round by Edwards and I think he may well have stolen that one. Copy linkCopiedEssomba vs Edwards – Round 1 I could write that was a cagey start by both men but that would be seriously underplaying it – I don’t think a punch was landed by either man.Just as I’m typing that the 10-second bell goes and both unleash a quick flurry to try and steal it.Not sure exactly what landed but you’d be hard pressed not to score that round 10-10 – although the commentary team seems to think Essomba was in control.Copy linkCopiedSunny looking hotIn case you missed it, Charlie Edwards’ brother Sunny is in the OPPOSITE corner tonight, working with Thomas Essomba.In case you missed it, he was the one wearing the impressive fur coat in the ring just then!Copy linkCopiedHere we go…Both Essomba and Edwards are now in the ring and we’ll be ready to go any second.Big fight ahead!Copy linkCopiedTom WellandThat was extremely impressive from Tom Welland, really good stuff.The first round proved a little bit of a tougher test than many would have expected, but after relaxing into the second round, Welland showed his class and unloaded some absolutely venomous punches that put Martinez down three times.Onwards and upwards for the youngster.Copy linkCopiedWelland vs Martinez – Round 2 – IT’S ALL OVER!After that tight first round, Welland starts working behind his jab and lands a couple of nice shots flush.Martinez is throwing wildly and Welland then catches him with a sharp counter to stop the Nicaraguan in his tracks.Welland then walks on to an incredible right hand from Welland that sends Martinez crashing to the canvas – he gets up on eight but Welland then unlaods.Incredible combination with two or three HUGE body shots and Martinez is down on one knee for a second time in the round.Welland smells blood and pounces on Martinez, swarming his opponent with some incredible shots – Martinez is down for a third time in quick succession and the ref waves it off!Clinical from a fighter who – aged just 20 – has a massive future ahead of him!Copy linkCopiedWelland vs Martinez – Round 1Good start from ‘Atomic’ Tom Welland, throwing some lovely jobs and looking extremely active against his much older opponent. But Martinez does land a nice right hook that briefly makes Welland think.Welland looking more in control in that round for me, though, but this is certainly not going to be anything like a walkover.Copy linkCopiedWelland vs Martinez firstWell, it seems the running order for tonight has changed with Tom Welland up before Charlie Edwards. We’ll have round-by-round action for that one, which will be a four-rounder, which means we can expect Edwards vs Essomba at around 10.30pm.Both Welland and Darwing Martinez – who has a record of 8-23 – are heading to the ring now.Copy linkCopiedNot long nowWe’re not far away from the action getting underway at York Hall.As well as Edwards vs Essomba, highly-rated prospect Tom Welland is another name on the card that boxing fans are getting excited about.The Essex boy is hoping to make it seven wins from seven and faces Darwing Martinez.Copy linkCopied More

HUGHIE FURY put on an excellent display to beat Christian Thun on points and continue his comeback. Fury, 30, has now marked his boxing revival with three successive wins as he steps up his return to the sport.Hughie, Tyson Fury’s cousin, took on Thun on the undercard of Shakiel Thompson vs River Wilson-Bent in Sheffield.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFollow our live blog below… Thompson steals the show13-0-0 (nine by knockout).A demolition job from Thompson and what a way to end a great night of boxing.A brilliant array of shots – the Sheffield-born star looked the real deal.Copy linkCopiedThompson WINSIt was only a matter of time – the referee has seen enough and it is a dominant and deserved victory.Thompson keeps his title and he celebrates with Kell Brook.Copy linkCopiedThompson vs Wilson-Bent Round 3 – Thompson is smelling blood here and fancies a knockout.Wilson-Bent looks a tad shocked and his legs are turning to jelly.And that is incredible by Shakiel as he drops him once again with a right hook on the turn.Somehow RWB is continuing and lands a body shot – only for another counter punch to knock him off balance.That’s a third followed up by another fourth knockdown straight after.Copy linkCopiedThompson vs Wilson-Bent Round 2 – Nice start by Wilson-Bent but Thompson fights back.Several good punches by the champ and this counter style is intelligent he is using is working brilliantly so far.And wow a stunning combination in the last ten seconds sees RWB hit the deck.It was a great combination and it’s a short left hand that knocks him over.Copy linkCopiedThompson vs Wilson-Bent Round 1 – The main event is underway for the IBF European middleweight title.An electric start and Thompson attacks first with a strong body shot.He later lands a huge right and left hand, Dr Steel seems to be finding gaps already as he bloodies the nose of his opponent.Copy linkCopiedRing walksA serious look on River Wilson-Bent’s face as he walks to the ring.He is followed by Shakiel Thompson as heads into the ring with a strut of confidence. Copy linkCopied’Best version of me’Walsh is absolutely delighted and says he is ready for another fight already.He directs a message to Turki Alalshikh and says he will take on any lightweight available in Saudi Arabia.Walsh says “put the cash out” and he is there before joking he wants the Riyadh Season to head to his hometown of Norfolk.Copy linkCopiedWalsh vs MouldRound 2 – Another barrage of shots and it’s all over!Big right hand first put Mould down and Walsh followed it up with a similar knockdown. A barrage of shots to a wounded Mould then finished him off and it’s a one and done here in the opening round. Copy linkCopiedWalsh vs Mould Round 1 – Walsh leaps in with a jab and left hook with Mould looking to get his jab off. Nice right hand from Walsh leaves Mould momentarily off balance. Huge right hand and Mould is down! He gets to his feet but he looks shaken and he’s down again! Copy linkCopiedUp next Tasty lightweight clash up next between Ryan Walsh and Reece Mould. Mould is coming off defeat to Gary Cully last November while Walsh is looking for one last run. Copy linkCopiedFury vs ThunFury a winner on the cards but only by two rounds. Maybe tighter on the cards than what we saw in the ring but a good, tough fight for Fury there. He’ll be looking for bigger names now. Copy linkCopiedFury vs ThunRound 8 – Right hand to the body and left hook to the head lands for Fury, not stopping here in the eighth and final round. Thun is on the ropes with Fury firing shot but he does well to avoid anything too damaging. The two big men swing it out to the end and it’s been a good showing for Fury, who has bossed his way through the eight rounds. Copy linkCopiedFury vs ThunRound 7 – Big right hand stuns Thun on the ropes. Thun backs up to the ropes and Fury lets go of some body shots, he’s been relentless all night. Big one-two bounces of Thun and his knees dip. He could be in trouble here. Couple more big rights land for Fury down the stretch.Copy linkCopiedFury vs ThunRound 6 – Big straight right hand stabs Thun’s stomach. Big one-two from Fury pushes Thun into the ropes and the German is forced to withstand another onslaught. Fury ends the round with some good work on the ropes. Copy linkCopiedFury vs ThunRound 5 – Thun leads with a flurry but it draws a response from Fury who comes back with a barrage of body shots. Thun keeps coming but it’s being controlled by Fury, who is landing some telling right hands. Copy linkCopiedFury vs ThunRound 4 – Big right hand from Fury breaks Thun’s guard but the German takes it well. Big body shots from Fury goes in and Thun appears to wince a little. The British heavyweight is breaking Thun down bit by bit. Copy linkCopiedFury vs ThunRound 3 – Nice combination on the inside from Thun but Fury roars forward. Some big uppercuts come in from Fury but Thun fires back with another barrage of shots. Hug right hand over the top for Fury but Thun takes it well. Copy linkCopiedFury vs ThunRound 2 – Fury active with his right hands, driving Thun to the ropes. Lovely left hook to the body goes in for Fury and he let’s his hands go on the ropes. Solid start. Thun does answer back with some combinations and Fury responds with two hooks to the body. Copy linkCopiedFury vs Thun Round 1 – Fury opens the round hammering Thun’s body. Fury drives Thun back to the corner and both trade big shots on the inside. Again Fury sinks in some good hooks to the body with Thun instead looking for combinations. Copy linkCopiedHughie’s back Up next is the return of Tyson Fury’s cousin Hughie, against Christian Thun. Fury has won twice this year already having been sidelined due to personal reasons since 2021. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWilletts vs GallagherAll three judges score unanimously in favour of Gallagher, who retains her Commonwealth title. Well deserved with the knockdown and cleaner right hands. Not the kind of fight we’d want to see again but both gave it their all – styles just didn’t gel on this occasion. Copy linkCopiedWilletts vs GallagherFight goes the distance and the 10th and final round was much the same. Great effort from both but the fight just didn’t catch fire with the styles clashing too much. With the knockdown and more eye-catching right hands, Gallagher should take the decision victory. Copy linkCopiedWilletts vs GallagherHeading into the last round and it’s Gallagher’s fight to lose now. Despite the heated build-up the fight has failed to deliver with far too much holding and grabbing. Let’s see what the final round brings. Copy linkCopiedWilletts vs GallagherBig right hook from Willetts forced Gallagher to hold on. Good back and forth to close out the round and this is the action we hoped to get throughout. Gallagher in control and Willetts may need a knockdown or two – even a knockout – to turn this around. Copy linkCopiedWilletts vs GallagherGallagher starts pumping out a low lead jab in the seventh round. Willetts tries a one-two but it falls just short of the target. Willetts using her jab better this round. Better work on the inside from the two as well. Copy linkCopied More