Southampton-born Lewis Edmondson is set to fight in his beloved city for the first time in seven years, but has promised not to get too caught up in the occasion. The 30-year-old will return to St. Mary's Stadium later this evening for a historical showcase, taking on Lyndon Arthur in a mouthwatering domestic dust-up along the South Coast.
First Fight in Southampton Since 2019
This evening's clash with the light-heavyweight veteran marks his first fight in Southampton since his second professional bout – a points triumph over Nathan Halton. Recalling that fight, the Hampshire scrapper told Mirror Fighting: "Nathan Halton, he was no mug. I think he won amateur titles. Al Smith, my trainer at the time, wasn't too impressed with the fight as my second fight. Because he was 3-3 at the time. He wasn't a journeyman to learn the job; he was coming to win. He was a game, tough opponent for a second fight, in Southampton. Great crowd, great atmosphere, only a little venue, but time flies!"
Keeping Focus Amid the Spectacle
The thought of fighting in front of over 30,000 fans screaming his name was too good an opportunity to miss for the British brawler. While the moment could get the better of any other boxer, Edmondson insists he will keep his head firmly screwed on and focus solely on the task at hand. "I'm mentally strong, and I don't really get like that, because there's me and another man in the ring, and there's a job to do. There's a man with two arms and a pair of gloves, and it's me versus him. That's it. All that outside noise is just a distraction. There's just one thing on the mind, and that's that."
What a Win Would Mean
The 30-year-old understands what a win would do for his career, especially with his friends and family watching just a few yards away. "It'll be unbelievable, and knowing what the win will get us and where it will put us... it's a pinch-me moment and a life-changing moment and history for the city, and another great show and another great night for friends and family, giving them nights to remember throughout their life. It's just unbelievable."
Future Ambitions
He concluded: "Come through Lyndon Arthur, we want Joshua Buatsi or Anthony Yarde. We want the big fish. And maybe a shot at one of the big big guys if that opportunity comes, we'd be more than grateful to take any opportunity. But we would love Buatsi. But if Buatsi's fighting Callum Smith, then we'd like Yarde."
