Lewis Edmondson trial set for June 2027 after not-guilty pleas

British light-heavyweight champion Lewis Edmondson has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving and possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply, with his trial scheduled for June 14, 2027.

Southampton Crown Court confirmed to Box.Live that Edmondson entered both pleas at a hearing on August 18. The charges relate to an alleged incident in August 2021, with earlier reporting of the magistrates’ proceedings identifying the substance as cocaine.

A spokesperson for his promoter, Queensberry, told Box.Live: “As this is an ongoing legal matter, Queensberry is unable to comment at this time.”

The court update comes after the British Boxing Board of Control ordered Edmondson to defend his British light-heavyweight title against Dan Azeez. Its October 15 circular set a deadline of noon on November 11 for purse bids, with the contest to take place by the end of February 2027.

The Board issued that order after receiving no purse bids for Edmondson’s previously mandated defence against Zak Chelli. A fight with Azeez would be a rematch of their October 2024 meeting, when Edmondson won a majority decision to claim the British and Commonwealth titles.

Box.Live approached the Board on Monday afternoon, October 19, asking whether it was aware of the court proceedings and had considered the matter, whether there was any effect on Edmondson’s licence or the ordered title defence, and what its general policy was on licence holders facing unresolved criminal charges.

The Board was informed that publication was planned for 10am on Tuesday, October 20. It had not responded at the time of writing.

Edmondson previously appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court in July, when no pleas were entered and the case was sent to the Crown Court. He was granted unconditional bail at that stage.

The 30-year-old’s July appearance followed his victory over Lyndon Arthur at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton on June 20. Edmondson won the 10-round contest by unanimous decision, with scores of 96-95, 97-93 and 96-94, to claim the vacant WBA International light-heavyweight title.

Edmondson turned professional in 2019 after representing England as an amateur. Following his British and Commonwealth title victory over Azeez, he successfully defended the Commonwealth belt against Oluwatosin Kejawa.

He denies both criminal charges.