The 68-year-old former London cabbie had been formal negotiations with the US Amateur Boxing Association and I understand he was due to named as their new head coach this week.

But such was hostile reaction among other US coaches to the prospect of the appointment of a foreigner, protesting no other candidates were considered, that Edwards has now decided against it.

He told insidethegames: "To say I was flattered is an understatement as this is probably the top job in world amateur boxing.

"But to do it properly I would have needed the full support of the American coaches and I really don't want to get into political hassles at this stage of my life.

"Also, my family weren't that keen on me being away from home for the next few months and would have meant giving up my present role with London 2012, which I am enjoying."

Edwards, is currently putting the Olympic boxing tournament together as technical operations manager.

He was made an MBE after Beijing but controversially axed by the newly-formed British Amateur Boxing Association despite GB winning three medals, including James DeGale's gold.


During his tenure Audley Harrison also won Olympic gold, Amir Khan (pictured) silver and Frankie Gavin became Britain's only world amateur champion.

Before his appointment with London 2012 Edwards had been a consultant to both the Ghanaian and US amateur boxing bodies.

The approach to take charge of the American team followed the dismissal of incumbent Joe Zanders and an acrimonious split with top pro trainer Freddie Roach, who had been a brought in as an adviser but was highly critical of some of the US squad, notably heavyweighht Michael Hunter whom he described as "lazy".

They turned to Edwards because of his track record at a time when US amateur boxing is seriously under-achieving, with only one Olympic gold in the last three Games.


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December 2010: Axed Edwards lands key London 2012 boxing job
October 2009: Exclusive - DeGale warns Britain will pay the price at London 2012 for getting rid of Edwards
October 2009: Exclusive - ABAE apologise to Terry Edwards over bonus slur
July 2009: New role for former British boxing coach
October 2008: Edwards set to quit over boxing changes