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Edwards blows away Bloy

Stoke fighter thrills home crowd

Last updated: 24th January 2009

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Chris Edwards claimed the British and Commonwealth flyweight titles when Wayne Bloy was forced to retire after four rounds on Friday evening.

Edwards, fighting in front of his home-town crowd in Stoke, dominated from the first bell and rocked Bloy almost immediately to set the tone for a one-sided contest.

Bloy's defence was non-existent as he took a barrage of clean shots but did show bravery to hang around for as long as he did.

He appeared to injure his hand while taking yet more punishment in the fourth and, at the end of the round, his corner decided to pull him out.

It was a comprehensive victory for Edwards, who has turned his career around in spectacular fashion after losing six of his first seven professional contests.

"It's one of the best victories of my career so far," the 32-year-old told Sky Sports.

"He's a tough kid, I hurt him with some good shots but he still came back.

"I've got the right trainer now...I think that's how I turned my career around."