BOXING
Sunny Edwards looking for redemption against Galal Yafai
The former IBF World champion was overmatched by Bam Rodriguez last year, and now wants to take back his place amongst the top fighters in the division.
Sunny Edwards is stepping into the ring this weekend to face Galal Yafai in a highly anticipated bout for the interim WBC flyweight title. For Edwards, the fight is more than just a chance to secure another belt - it’s an opportunity for redemption after a tough loss to Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez last year. That defeat, his first as a professional, came in a grueling contest and left Edwards hungry to reestablish his place at the top of the division.
This matchup carries extra intrigue because of the shared history between the fighters. Edwards and Yafai go back to their amateur days, where they sparred frequently and even faced off in official bouts. Edwards holds a victory from those early encounters, but Yafai, the 2021 Olympic gold medalist, has been eager to even the score. Both fighters have acknowledged the depth of their knowledge of each other’s styles, which could make for a chess match in the ring.
The dynamics between the two camps are another layer to the story. Edwards has been vocal about his frustrations with the preferential treatment Yafai received during their time on the GB squad, where Rob McCracken - the celebrated trainer behind Anthony Joshua - focused heavily on Yafai. That favoritism is still a sore point for Edwards, who has had to chart his path in a less conventional way with trainer Chris Williams, a relatively fresh face in the boxing scene.
In terms of the fight itself, Edwards is known for his slick, technical style, relying on movement and counter-punching rather than power, evidenced by his four knockouts in 21 wins. In contrast, Yafai brings a pressure-heavy approach backed by a solid knockout rate (six stoppages in eight wins). Pundits are divided; some believe Edwards’ experience at the world level will help him prevail, while others think Yafai’s relentless aggression could overwhelm the former champion.
The stakes are enormous for both fighters. A win would not only solidify their status in the flyweight division but also put them in line for a potential showdown with full WBC champion Angel Ayala or other top names like Kenshiro Teraji.
Regardless of the outcome, Edwards vs. Yafai promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. Both fighters have something to prove, and their history ensures that no punch will lack intention. This could be a career-defining night for both men.
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