following the introduction of the super-flyweight division to british boxing, edwards was mandated to fight for the inaugural british title against doncaster's undefeated jamie mcdonnell. the fight, in december 2007, saw edwards claim the title in another close fight-of-the-year contender with a split-decision victory. his reign as champion was short-lived, however, as he lost the title in his first defence, against andy bell, in a 12-round fight.