Charlie Edwards steps in as challenger for Thomas Essomba’s EBU bantamweight belt

European bantamweight titlist Thomas Essomba had been expected to face mandatory challenger Paul Butler next. There was in fact a purse bid scheduled for tomorrow.

However, an agreement was made for Essomba to instead make a voluntary defense of his crown against former WBC flyweight titleholder Charlie Edwards at a venue to be determined in the U.K. on September 13.

The winner must face two-time world champion Butler next.

The tough luck Essomba (13-8-1, 4 knockouts) finally...