Rising Welsh star Rhys Edwards will get his chance to shine as he faces Gully Powar for the British Featherweight Title on the undercard of Lauren Price MBE’s unified world welterweight title defence against Stephanie Pineiro Aquino on Saturday, April 4 at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff, presented by BOXXER and broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. 

Known as ‘Rhys Lightning’, Edwards (17-1, 4 KOS), has earned his shot at the vacant British featherweight crown with a series of impressive performances. 

The 25-year-old from Penygraig defeated former British champion Thomas Patrick Ward in Cardiff in May 2024, before stepping in at short notice to fight on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, going toe-to-toe with Peter McGrail in a contest many felt the Welshman did enough to win. 

Fighting out of the Llanrumney Phoenix Boxing Club under the tutelage of former middleweight world title challenger Gary Lockett, Edwards got back to winning ways last year with a points win over former European Champion Thomas Essomba in June. 

He will now be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Welsh greats including Joe Calzaghe, Lee Selby and Lauren Price, who all claimed British titles on their way to world honours. 

Standing in his way is Powar (13-1, 1 KO), the 23-year-old from Wolverhampton, known for his entertaining ring walks and all-action style. 

Powar was one of 32 prospects from around the world selected to compete at the WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last year. He defeated Japhethlee Llamido in the first round before losing a points decision to eventual finalist Brandon Mejia, gaining valuable experience against top international opposition that he will carry into his upcoming British title bout. 

Rhys Edwards said: “Winning the British title has been a dream since I first started boxing. I’ve worked my whole career for this moment, and now it’s time to make it count. To get this opportunity at home in Wales is a special feeling. Gully Powar is a good fighter, but I’ll prove I’m on another level. On April 4, Wales will have another champion.”

Gully Powar said: “This is my time to shine. I’ve been putting in the work behind the scenes and now everyone gets to see what I’m about. I respect Rhys, but I’m coming to Cardiff to take that British title home. The fans can expect fireworks when I step into the ring.” 

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “This is a fantastic British title fight between two young, hungry fighters. Rhys Edwards and Gully Powar both have exciting styles and will be ready to lay it all on the line on April 4. It’s another exciting addition to what is going to be a spectacular event in Cardiff showcasing the very best of Welsh boxing, live and free-to-air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.” 

This event is presented in association with BOXXER’s official partners Betfred, Riyadh Season, That Prize Guy, Tixr and Champion.

Sign up now for pre-sale tickets at BOXXER.com 

CARDIFF, UK (February 12, 2025) – Rising Welsh star Rhys Edwards has inked a long-term promotional deal with next generation promoter BOXXER.

Edwards (16-1, 4 KOs) has impressed on BOXXER cards in recent years. The 24-year-old from Penygraig scored a points victory over former British Champion Brad Foster in November 2023 before capturing the WBA Intercontinental belt with a unanimous points win over former WBA #1 Thomas Patrick Ward in front of his home fans in Cardiff in May 2024.

Stepping in at short notice, Edwards closed out 2024 by going toe-to-toe with Peter McGrail on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury II at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia in a fight that many felt the Welshman had done enough to win.

Having signed with BOXXER, Edwards joins a world-class stable of fighters including country women Lauren Price MBE, Chris Eubank Jr, Joshua Buatsi, Natasha Jonas, Ben Whittaker, Caroline Dubois, Chris Billam-Smith, Adam Azim, Frazer Clarke, Martin Bakole, Viddal Riley, Callum Simpson and Karriss Artingstall.

“It feels amazing to sign a long-term deal with a big promotion like BOXXER,” said Edwards. “They gave me my first chance on the big stage and have delivered me some very good fights so it’s nice to sign with them as they have been good to me.

“Getting the opportunity to fight Peter McGrail in Saudi Arabia was a surreal experience. It was a great fight, so big props to Peter as it takes two to tango. I thought I nicked it but I can’t argue either way. I learnt a lot about myself and showed my level.

“The fight against Ward in Cardiff was electric. The Welsh crowd really got behind me and I’m very grateful for that. I would love to headline a show back home by the end of 2025 or the start of 2026.

“I just want good performances and wins against good fighters and titles, and hopefully the British Featherweight Title before the end of the year.”

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re delighted to have secured Rhys’ signature. He has a very bright future ahead of him. I thought he won the McGrail fight.  He landed the cleaner shots and on just three days’ notice, he showed his class. I know Rhys has big ambitions. Together with Lauren Price, I believe he can lead a resurgence in Welsh boxing and bring more big nights back to Cardiff.”