Former WBC flyweight champion Charlie Edwards says he is treating Friday’s IBF super flyweight final eliminator like a world title fight after Sikho Nqothole dismissed him as “nothing special” during Thursday’s weigh-in at York Hall in London.
Edwards (21-2, 7 KOs) and South Africa’s Nqothole (21-3, 13 KOs) both made weight ahead of their 12-round final eliminator, with the winner expected to move into position for a shot at the IBF super flyweight title later this year.
Nqothole played down Edwards during his post-faceoff interview, making it clear he had not traveled to the UK expecting to play the role of the away fighter quietly.
“There is nothing special about him,” said Nqothole. “He is a normal boxer like other boxers. I can’t say there is anything special.”
“I came here to show him that I am not afraid to come to his country.”
Edwards appeared excited by the comments and immediately leaned into the idea of being overlooked heading into one of the biggest fights of his career.
“Great music to my ears. Understatement,” Edwards said.
“He’ll see who the special one is tomorrow night. I’m ready to put it all on the line.”
Edwards, 33, who held the WBC flyweight title from 2018 to 2019, has repeatedly described the fight as a major crossroads in his bid to become a two-weight world champion following setbacks earlier in his career, including his loss to Andrew Cain.
“Oh, it’s unbelievable,” Edwards said of being one fight away from another title opportunity. “It’s not the world title shot, but it’s one up. So, it’s the world title fight.”
“I treated it like it was the world title fight. I know what’s in front of me. I respect Seco even if he tries to play me off, and it’s going to bring the best out of me.”
Edwards weighed in at 114.8 pounds for the fight, while Nqothole came in at 114.5.
The event is streaming live on DAZN from York Hall in Bethnal Green, London.
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Last updated on 2026/05/28 at 13:44
