A rapid rise through the professional ranks continues for Southside Houston heavyweight Joshua Edwards, who added another victory to his resume with a win over New Orleans’ Garreth Payton at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside.

The 2024 Olympian has wasted little time making an impact since turning professional. After signing with Golden Boy Promotions in January 2025, Edwards made his debut that April with a second-round knockout and has maintained an active schedule ever since. With six additional victories, including six knockouts, Edwards has quickly compiled a 7-0 record in just over a year, emerging as one of the heavyweight division’s most promising young prospects.

Edwards’ success comes as no surprise to those familiar with his amateur pedigree. Ranked No. 1 by USA Boxing, he broke through internationally in 2023 by winning gold at the Pan American Games, where he defeated Cuban standout Abner Teixeira in the finals. The victory secured his place on Team USA for the Olympics, making him just the second Texas native to achieve that milestone after George Foreman in 1968.

Under the guidance of respected trainers Ronnie Shields and Melvin Malone, Edwards is developing into an elite competitor. During high school, he nearly left boxing behind to pursue basketball before Malone’s influence helped refocus his path. That decision proved pivotal. In 2021, Edwards captured the USA Boxing super heavyweight national title, a defining achievement that laid the foundation for his rapid rise and growing presence among boxing’s next generation of heavyweight contenders.