Johnnie Edwards listens to coach Robert Michael during his bout. Edwards fought for North Augusta Boxing Club before joining the Marine Corps. He was selected as captain of the military squad. ANDREW DAVIS TUCKER/STAFF

Bey, ranked No. 1 in the featherweight class by USA Boxing, defeated fourth-ranked Edwards 21-9 in a four-round decision at the National Police Athletic League championships. Height, Edwards said, had nothing do with the result.

"He was a good fighter. I knew what to expect - a lot of hooks. I just didn't keep my right hand up," he said.

Edwards has been boxing for 11 years, but he's still fighting for respect inside the ropes.

"Sometimes, boxers underestimate me because of my size," Edwards said. "But when they get in the ring, they're surprised that my hand speed is better than theirs, and I have more strength."

At 22, Edwards gets respect outside the ring, especially from his family. He and his wife, Brandy, have been married for three years and have a 2-year-old son, JonQuez.

His other family, the Marine Corps boxing team, looks up to him so much it named him captain two years ago.

"Whoever has the most respect is chosen captain," Edwards said.

As captain, his responsibilities include: accountability for the 22-member squad and communication with the team's coach.

Jo-Anne Newman, who runs the North Augusta Boxing Club with her husband, Noah, said she is not surprised by Edwards' leadership position.

"He was just a little sparkplug in our gym," she said. "He's always been the guy who motivates others. He's a leader."

Edwards joined the North Augusta Boxing Club in 1991 with some urging from his brother, Jimel. It didn't take long for the gloves to become a perfect fit and the gym a permanent fixture.

"I was told I had pretty good potential, so I just stuck with it," Edwards said.

One year later, tragedy struck. Jimel drowned. Edwards said he knew then that he couldn't give up boxing.

He continued to work and continued to improve. From 1995 to 1997, Edwards was named South Carolina's outstanding boxer.

Jo-Anne Newman said Edwards was ranked as high as No. 3 in the nation at age 16. Now, Edwards is more appreciative of the Newmans than he is of the rankings and awards.

"Without them, I'd probably be a drug-head on the streets," Edwards said.

"He's one of the kids who used our Olympic sport as a life skill," Jo-Anne Newman said.

Edwards graduated from Midland Valley High School and decided to join the Marines in 1999. After his four years are up, he plans to re-enlist for two more years because his main goal dangles before him.

"I want to train harder and make the 2004 Olympic team," he said.

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 868-1222, Ext. 114.