Flyweight Charlie Edwards leaves amateur ranks to go professional
Thursday 9 October 2014 15:23, UK
Former European bronze medallist Charlie Edwards has been released from the GB Boxing programme and will turn professional.
Croydon flyweight Edwards clinched bronze at the European Championships in Turkey in 2011 but missed out on qualification for the London 2012 Olympics.
He beat British rival Jack Bateson to retain his ABA title earlier this year but suffered disappointment at the Commonwealth Games when he lost to Scotsman Ross McFadden in the second round.
Edwards' hopes of getting to the next Olympic Games in Rio in 2016 were also being hampered by Welshman Andrew Selby, who is No 1 in the world in the 52kg category.
He wrote on Twitter: "Today was my last day as a Team GB squad member.
"I am going to miss all the boys, support staff and coaches - they are like family to me but it's time for the start of something new."
A spokesman for the British Amateur Boxing Association confirmed Edwards' release, adding: "We'd like to thank Charlie for his commitment to GB Boxing over a number of years and wish him all the best for his future career."
