The former GB national coach, will be in charge of the Turkish boxing squad - an appointment the Turkish federation want to make permanent through to the Rio 2016 Olympics.

However, Edwards says he has yet to decide on the offer of a long-term contract, preferring to wait until after the World Championships "to see how things go".

Since being controversially axed after the Beijing 2008 Olympics by the then newly-formed British Amateur Boxing Association (BABA) - he had overseen Britain's most successful Games in the boxing ring for half a century - the popular former London cabbie has been much sought-after.

He has been a consultant to both Ghana's and the United States' national boxing bodies, turning down an approach to become the US head coach before the London 2012 Olympics.

Instead, he took up an appointment as technical operations manager for the London 2012 boxing tournament and subsequently has been a technical adviser to AIBA.

Following discussions with the Turkish Boxing Federation, he flies to Istanbul next week to take charge of their preparations for the World Championships.

Terry Edwards oversaw Britain's most successful Olympic Games in the boxing ring for half a century at Beijing 2008






"I have been impressed with their aspirations and facilities and especially the quality of some of their boxers," he told insidethegames.

Three Turkish boxers defeated top English opposition in a recent tournament and Edwards has hopes of them winning a medal or two in Almaty.

"After that we'll see what happens," he explained.

"I am flattered by the long-term offer which is very attractive but there are many things to be considered, not least how much time I would need to spend away from home."

Edwards was made an MBE after Beijing 2008 where Britain won three medals, including James DeGale's gold.

During his long tenure, Audley Harrison also won Olympic gold, Amir Khan silver and Frankie Gavin became England's first ever world amateur champion.

"It will be a strange feeling if the draw puts me in the opposite corner to some of the British boxers I know well because my heart is still very much with Britain," Edwards admitted.

"But the challenge is too good to refuse and I am looking forward to it."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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