It was not too long ago that Charlie Edwards was sparring in a boxing ring in the front garden of his Beddington family home.

Now, only six fights into his professional career, the 22-year-old has not only been crowned English flyweight champion, he has also defended the title in emphatic style.

Edwards put challenger Phil Smith on the canvas in the sixth of 10 rounds two weeks ago to ensure a 100 per cent start on the pro circuit.

The victory, in front of the Sky cameras, is another step towards the world title stardom he craves, and he has the team behind him to reach the very top.

Charlie Edwards has the uppercut over Phil Smith pretender to his English crown

Moreover, Edwards is keeping his feet firmly on the floor – there is no chance of fame and fortune going to his head, especially with dad Larry in his corner.

Edwards said: “It would be easy to be big-headed. I might have had a good performance [against Smith], but that is it now.

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The way we were in 2008: Charlie Edwards, right, spars with brother Sunny, under the watchful eye of dad Larry, in the boxing ring build in front garden

“I have to forget about it, go back to the drawing board and work on things that I did wrong, because there were things I did wrong, and I am still learning.

“My dad keeps me down to earth, the first thing he does when I get out the ring is tell me what I’ve done wrong.”

He added: “I have a good team around me that would not let me get big headed.

“We’re aiming for the top, and winning fights is what we expect - if I want world titles, this is what I have to be doing at this level.

“I should not get beaten in any of my fights.

“These are stepping stones to bigger and better things, so I cannot dwell on this and think I am some sort of knock-out artist.”

Edwards is hoping to feature on the Scott Quigg v Carl Frampton card in February, where he could face Luke Wilton for a shot at the British title.

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