On Friday evening Charlie Edwards fights for the first time under his new trainer Stephen Smith, but it might just be the work he’s done on his psyche that proves most valuable.

Edwards also fights at bantamweight, having become self-managed and signed to new promoters in Wasserman, which in turn means that he will be fighting on Channel 5. 

In the five years since losing his WBC flyweight title Edwards has struggled with depression and fallen out with his younger brother Sunny, the former IBF champion – they are again on good terms – but both he and Smith speak of his determination and focus, and the extent to which his efforts mean his confidence has grown.

“Through the hard time and the dark time, where I’ve landed, and the people and team I have around me, it’s given me more of a spiritual awakening – to have faith,” Edwards explained. “I’ve had blind faith this whole time, and I knew this time would come back. We’re here now, and we are back now. I look back now and all that hardship I endured for all of that time I’m grateful for, because it’s changed me. It’s matured me. It’s made me a better human being, and it’s made me the person I am walking to the ring on Friday night, and I’m looking forward to that.

“Every time I go to bed at night I’m there and I meditate until I fall asleep. I’m focusing and I’m thinking about things, and in the daytime I’ll lay down and meditate. I’ll put healing sounds on and focus music, and go and read my book – I’ve taken up reading more. I’m so locked in and putting everything into the universe. 

“I’m speaking more to the man upstairs. I’ve never been a religious person but I can feel myself coming down that way because I do believe there’s a higher power and a higher source – I’ve always called it ‘the universe’. I am where I’ve been putting all my energy right now. I’m here. This is my time to take over again. On Friday night against a good opponent, I get to fulfil my destiny. 

“Even when I’m going for a walk, I’m meditating. I’m using that walk to zone out from the world and focusing and putting the positives in my head. I journal now. I’ve been journalling my thoughts, feelings and emotions, which has brought a new level of confidence inside of me. I’ve really worked on myself. I’ve spent these last seven weeks away from my wife [Christine] and daughter [Sophia] in a training camp, and I’ve been journalling; meditating; doing everything right. 

“For the first time in my whole life I’ve actually done my whole nutrition from start to finish myself. Instead of sitting there numbing my head on my phone and using that as an addiction, I’m doing things for myself. I’m cooking; I’m enjoying it; it’s keeping my head activated, where I’m not sitting around over-thinking things. Even my social media, I’d normally be doing pictures of me doing pads. Now I don’t care – all I care about is fight night. I’m doing this now for me, my wife, and my baby, to make a better life. 

“If I get overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings, and over-think something, then I’ll go and take a time out. I’m lucky, and blessed – all I do is box, so I’ve got a lot of free time to do that. Not everyone in their day-to-day life does.

“I’ve done it all through my career but at times it’s stopped and I’ve lost track of it. We’re just moving in the right direction; getting everything done properly. When I’m in the right mindset I’ll wipe anyone out.”

France’s George Ory, 32 and the former European champion, is Edwards’ opponent at London’s York Hall.

“[Smith’s] a very spiritual guy himself,” Edwards continued. “He’s a religious man. We’ve bonded over it and spiritual laws and stuff. Sometimes you get connected with people for a reason, and I’ve been connected with him for a reason, I believe. 

“He’s taught me a hell of a lot. He’s bought the best out of me, and he’s added to my game, and on Friday, I showcase a hell of a lot. That man has been the right man I’ve needed to bring out the best in me.

“I keep praying; keep meditating; keep focusing, and keep thanking the man upstairs. He’s led me here, and I’m back. He’s given me what I want.

“The time away from the ring has turned me into a different person. It’s matured me a lot, and I’m just looking forward to it. I’m so ready and I’m focused. I just can’t wait.

“I’m where I’ve wished and prayed to be.”