Charlie Edwards vacates title instead of rematching J.C. Martinez

By Scott Shaffer

05/10/2019

Charlie Edwards vacates title instead of rematching J.C. Martinez

Shortly after being ordered to give Julio Cesar Martinez a rematch, Charlie Edwards (15-1-0-1 NC, 6 KOs), has decided to vacate the WBC flyweight title, claiming it is too difficult for him to make the weight (112 pounds).  In his most recent fight on September 1st, Edwards barely retained his championship against Martinez in a “No Contest.” Edwards was on the verge of being stopped when he took a knee. Martinez hit him while he was down, and the WBC prevailed upon the local commission to declare the bout a No Contest. The WBC also ordered an immediate rematch, which Edwards apparently wants no part of.  Presumably, Martinez will fight someone else for the vacant title.
 
Edwards was crowned WBC champion by defeating Nicaraguan Cristofer Rosales in December of last year. He then made the first defense by defeating Spain's Angel Moreno by unanimous decision.
 
This is a fragment of a letter that Edwards sent to the President of the WBC, Mauricio Sulaimán:
 
"I hope your well mate I just wanted to write you a message personally to thank you for everything you have done for me throughout being WBC world champion. You hold a big place in my heart and I am so grateful for how happy you have made my mum more than anything especially giving her own belt.  Me and my team have decided due to how much I struggled with the weight last time out it actually scared me about how much I was putting my health on the line and I can’t risk causing damage to myself as health is the single most important thing in life. I am gutted because I value being WBC world champion and so proud to be able to be in history as WBC flyweight world champion! The best belt in boxing by far. I want to continue to represent the WBC and really really want to push on through the super flyweight rankings and [capture] the super flyweight title. But I wanted to let you know first before anyone else that I will be vacating the title to move up and challenge at the new weight. Thanks so much for everything,  Charlie Edwards."