The war of words between Lewis Edmondson and Ezra Taylor has escalated further ahead of their light-heavyweight clash on October 25 at the O2 Arena, London. The bout, part of the Joseph Parker vs. Fabio Wardley undercard, will see Edmondson defend his British and Commonwealth titles against his mandatory challenger.
Edmondson enters the fight following a contentious majority-decision loss to Daniel Lapin, but he also brings the credibility of dethroning Dan Azeez to become British champion. Now, as he makes the first defence of his Lonsdale Belt, Edmondson insists Taylor has been avoiding the fight despite accusing him of delays.
“He’s got an A-star in talking s%&!,” Edmondson said. “We were pushing for the fight before any belts were on the line, but he never responded. He thought he was a big fish, but he’s done nothing as a pro except win a couple of Mickey Mouse belts.”
Watch Lapin vs. Edmonson highlights: Watch
The Southampton fighter also ridiculed Taylor’s professional record, suggesting it disguises vulnerabilities that surfaced in the gym. “I know Ty Mitchell broke his eye socket in sparring,” Edmondson claimed. “I also know that Ben Whittaker left him in tears, bottom lip wobbling in front of his pals. No man could ever make me cry in the ring.”
While Taylor kept his unbeaten record intact with a recent unanimous decision over Troy Jones, Edmondson believes the 31-year-old has been forced into this fight. “Frank [Warren] probably said to him, ‘Mate, if you don’t take this fight then f&%$ off.’”
With months of verbal sparring now boiling over, the stage is set for Edmondson and Taylor to settle their rivalry in the ring. On October 25, the talking stops, and only one man will leave the O2 Arena with the British and Commonwealth titles.
Image Credit: The Ring