Battlezone 8: Moore promises a finish as Edgeworth eyes a way back into the winning column

This week, Peter Carroll caught up with two of Ireland’s up and coming featherweights, Brian Moore and Richie Edgeworth, who will face off for the Battlezone featherweight title this Saturday in Cork’s Neptune Stadium. 

Two men who have trodden the same path will finally meet for the first time on Saturday in Cork’s Neptune Stadium, at Battlezone 8, with the promotion’s featherweight title up for grabs. 

Brian “The Pikeman” Moore, another one of John Kavanagh’s SBG charges, will take on Richie “The Postman” Edgeworth of Team Ryano, who is keen to deliver a big performance after coming up short in his Cage Warriors debut.

The young Andy Ryan protégé admits that it may have been a case of bringing the wrong strategy into the cage when considering the matchup against French prospect, Jean N’Doye.

“I watched his fights and I didn’t see him grappling at all,” said Edgeworth. “He was always striking and keeping his distance from his opponents, so I thought he was going to stand with me.

“Then, as soon as we walked out he took me down and it caught me by surprise to be honest.”

N’Doye took the victory by rear naked choke in the second round, leaving the Dubliner to think about his position in the sport.

“I’ve refocused myself now. When I look at my record, it’s win, loss, win, loss and I really want to put together a streak. The fact that there’s a title on the line on Saturday gives me an added incentive, but I don’t have to look any further than my training partners.

“It’s very important for me to get back on track and training with Paul Redmond and Neil Seery, two of the best fighters to come out of the country, always gives me that extra push.”

As far as planning for Moore, Edgeworth has brushed up on certain areas of his game, believing he has a clear idea as to how the Wexford man will go about his business in the title matchup.

“We’ve been fighting on the same cards for years now, so I know how he goes about his business. I’ve been working a lot on my wrestling and my takedown defence and I think that’s what he’s going to be looking to do.

“He’s probably underestimating me, but I can guarantee that it’s going to be a tough fight for him, for the both of us, and I think I have what it takes to have my hand raised.”

Whether he’s underestimating Edgeworth or not, Moore has a one track approach to the bout this Saturday.

“There is no doubt about who is going to win,” said the SBG man. “I have nothing but respect for Richie, but I’m definitely going to win on Saturday.

“I’m going after the finish. I’m not predicting a round or method, but it will come. I’ve never been more confident in my ability and that will be clear for everyone in the Neptune to see.”

While Edgeworth didn’t have an ideal Cage Warriors debut, Moore recently signed for the flagship European promotion and seems optimistic of a break through later in the year.

To add to this, Moore has recently married his long term girlfriend, Noreen, and with the support of sponsors and his team, he’s been able to fully focus on the looming title showdown.

“I’m in a good place at the moment. I’ve recently tied the knot so it’s great to have such great support. Noreen has always been very patient with the amount of time I dedicate to training and her support has always been very important to me.

“I’ve got some great sponsors on board – Natures Whey, Banned Fightwear, Wexford Bus, Pug Sports as well as the Pain and Muscle Clinic – they’ve made my preparation so much easier and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.”

As Edgeworth mixes it up with Redmond and Seery in Baldoyle, the Wexford featherweight has no shortage of experienced training partners.

“Everyday I’m sparring with the likes of Conor McGregor, Artem Lobov, Paddy Holohan, Peter Quelly and Owen Roddy – some of the best fighters in Europe.

“We even go in with the bigger lads like Cathal and Chris and that gives me a lot of confidence working with different body types. I’m ready for anything.

“Working with that stable of fighters and with John Kavanagh watching over me, I couldn’t have had a better preparation.

“I’m 6-2 at the moment and it’s great to have Conor and Cathal there who have had the same record and ended up as world champions.

“That’s the goal I’ve set myself and it will start with me winning the Battlezone featherweight championship on Saturday night.

“The money and the fame can all wait. I just want to be in there with the best and showing that I’m every bit as good as them.

“I’ve been patient for a very long time because it’s a struggle for me to find opponents and now that I have one, I can’t wait to get into the cage.”

By Peter Carroll – @PetesyCarroll