The world of boxing suffered a tragic loss last week following the death of Richie Edwards at the age of 29.
An accomplished amateur, southpaw Edwards challenged Basildon favourite Georgie Smith for the Southern Area light welterweight title at York Hall, Bethnal Green in June 1997.
Edwards had not fought since, but had recently resumed training, intending to return to the sport as a welterweight.
"It's ironic," said Smith, "I'd only been talking about Richie the other morning. Then, later that day, my trainer Alex Gower told me of his death.
"I am shocked and saddened and, obviously, I would like to send my condolences to his friends and family."
Richie Edwards, right, in his final fight, challenges Basildon's Georgie Smith for the Southern Area title.
Picture: IVAN SAGE
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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