8 x 3 mins International Light-Heavyweight contest
CALLUM SMITH 179.8 lbs v CARLOS GALVAN 175.6 lbs
(Liverpool, England)             (Chigorodo, Colombia)

followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest
TAYLOR BEVAN 168.9 lbs v GREG O’NEILL 167.9 lbs
(Southampton via Cardiff, Wales) (Horden, England)

followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
IBRAHEEM SULAIMAAN 131.8 lbs v MARVIN SOLANO 133.8 lbs
(Birmingham, England)                       (Managua, Nicaragua)

followed by

6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
AARON BOWEN 162.2 lbs v JAMES TODD 163 lbs
(Coventry, England)               (Swansea, Wales)

followed by

10 x 3 mins vacant English Light-Heavyweight Title
TROY JONES 173.6 lbs v MICHAEL STEPHENSON 173.4 lbs
(Birmingham, England)    (Northampton, England)

followed by

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

6 x 3 mins Flyweight contest
HAMZA UDDIN 112.3lbs v BENN NORMAN 111.4 lbs
(Walsall, England)              (Shephed, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins Lightweight contest 
CAMERON VUONG 138.6 lbs v GAVIN GWYNNE 138.6 lbs
(Blyth, England)                          (Treharris, Wales)

followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant Commonwealth Middleweight Title
KIERON CONWAY 159.6 lbs v RYAN KELLY 159.3 lbs
(Northampton, England)        (Birmingham, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins Welterweight contest
CONAH WALKER 146.6 lbs v LEWIS RITSON 146.9 lbs
(Wolverhampton, England)    (Forest Hall, England)

followed by

12 x 3 mins vacant interim WBC Flyweight World Title
SUNNY EDWARDS 111 lbs v GALAL YAFAI 111.4 lbs
(Croydon, England)                (Birmingham, England)  

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“We appreciate everyone joining us tonight and as you can see from the turn out, ahead of a massive show this Saturday in Birmingham, live and exclusive on DAZN around the world.

“We’ve been working on Birmingham for a long time, I think this is our third or fourth show in the last 16 months and progressively the crowds get bigger and bigger, and this one is by far the biggest show Birmingham has had, probably since we had Amir Khan here.

“We’re expecting a huge crowd and rightfully so. The crowd is huge for a couple of reasons, everybody on this card has sold a huge amount of tickets as they have their own individual followings. Now, as boxing starts to thrive even more in the Midlands, we’re seeing the box office sales move, particularly because of the two guys in the main event.

“This is one of the top fights in British boxing, Sunny Edwards against Galal Yafai, and these two need a huge amount of respect. Sunny’s mantra is ‘real fights only’, we saw him capture the IBF World title, he flew over to Phoenix to try to unify against the pound for pound great Jesse Rodriguez. He came back and went straight back into another thought fight in Phoenix against Andria Curiel and beat him, and now takes on the Olympic champion Galal Yafai, who really is seen as one of the top prospects in the world.

“Sunny doesn’t care, he wants to be in great fights, he believes in himself and he is rolling the dice again on Saturday night, as is Galal. An Olympic gold medalist from Birmingham with just a handful of fights really, and already stepping up to take on one of the top, top Flyweights in the world for the WBC Interim World title and the winner will go on and fight for the World title.”

Sunny Edwards:

“I’m just really, really nervous Eddie to be honest. I’m glad I’ve got my big brother here to steal the show and take the attention away.

“It’s a good fight and I know Galal is a good fighter. I’ve had a lot going on that everyone wants to speak about and the questions about where I was training and who I was training with. I took the fight without an agreement with a trainer, I was a free agent in trainer terms, but I’ve knuckled down and done everything asked of me with my new trainer Chris, I’ve got some familiar faces around me, and more will be joining on fight night.

“I’m excited about it. The problem with the fight from the whole showbiz and entertainment side is that I actually really like Galal. I think he’s a great fighter, someone that we’ve dealt with away from the cameras for hundreds of hours with sparring and being on Team GB at the same time. I think I am better, but he thinks he’s better than me, and that’s why we’re here, to find out. That’s what makes it so exciting. You can see the respect between us in the build-up, we both speak confidently but say how good the other guy is as we’ve spent so many rounds with each other and we both know that when we get in there, anything can happen, we’re both that good. It’s about who makes the right moves, the right steps, who doesn’t fall into traps, walk onto the wrong shots, it’s elite boxing. 

“I was happy and proud of Galal when he won the Olympic gold medal, and even more that it was at my weight and bringing it today. For every part that my brother played and his brothers’ have played as well, has just brought us to this moment and this anticipation being so much bigger. We’ve seen Edwards-Yafai when it was Yafai-Edwards, it’s been on and off the table, you had years trying to make the fight but Yafai and Edwards have never stepped in the ring but now, Saturday night, the baby brothers – and sorry Charlie, Kal and Gamal, I think the two best brothers – are going to decide it for the families.

“Yes, I can hurt him, but you have to land the shot and I know that Galal is very tough, he’s got a lot of heart and ambition, and like he said, this fight is bigger and means more for him than winning the gold medal. I take a lot of pride in that respect and appreciation towards Galal because this fight is all the way up there for me too. It’s great to be back fighting in the UK as well, a lot of my big fights have been away from here so it’s been amazing, I think it’s the best fight week I’ve been involved in, the public workout in the Bullring was fantastic, it’s a good turnout again today. Birmingham is a proper boxing city and I’m glad to be a part of it even though I’m not from here I’ve got a lot of friends from here and I’ve spent a lot of time in the city. 

“I’m confident always. Do I win? Yes, of course. I don’t envision anything different, I don’t accept the idea of losing. Even in the eighth round against Bam, I was still not accepting losing until I listened to my corner at the time who tried to pull me out the round before. I love fighting, this fight excites me the most. Forget all of the ‘what level this could be at’ or the bloodline, I know, and I think this is the biggest selling point, that when me and Galal get in a small space, it’s fireworks. We’ve both said it, we both know it, everyone that was at GB at the same time as us, they know it, it’s always been good work and it always will be, and we’ll probably be here again, regardless of who wins.

“If you take a look at any of the wins on my record, it’s always the same way, so probably that way. But at the same time, I am in a stage where I do opt and prefer to stand and trade a little bit more and let my hands go. When I just go on the back foot for 12 rounds, I cant watch the fight back, even I get bored watching it. My favourite fight of my career is the fight I lost because it had the most action in it, so I am looking forward to an action-packed fight against a great competitor, in a great city.”

Galal Yafai:

“It’s a massive fight, it speaks for itself. Sunny is a great fighter, a former World champion, a good name and we’ve got history as well which gives a bit more needle in it. It’s great that it’s in Birmingham as well, and I’m looking to put a good performance in on Saturday.

It’s a big challenge, and all the shit outside it with the brothers having their back and forths, not too much but a little, it’s good for the people watching, the British fans. It’s got people interested and it’s not what I am used to, I’ve been going to America and fighting unknown Mexicans, so fighting someone that everyone rates, everyone knows, and we’ll see who the better man is on Saturday.

“I wish I knew how it was going to play out, I’ve been asked that so many times. If I knew what was going to happen, I probably wouldn’t have trained so hard. You’ll have to tune in and watch.

“I just do what I normally do. I’ve got to be a bit smarter, but I know Sunny inside-out, I know what he does and like he said, you just need to tune in.”

Conah Walker:

“It’s been another great camp and you’ve given me a fighter that is going to stand there and have it off with me, which plays in my favour. I’m in impeccable shape and I’m ready to go and we’ll steal the show.

“Headlining in Birmingham would be amazing, that’s music to my ears. You can never look past anyone, especially someone like Lewis Ritson because of what he’s done in the sport, he’s been at the top level and I’ve got a lot of respect for him. I just believe that boxing is about your time, and I think that his time is done and my time is here and now. He’s not going to take away what you have said, I want those big nights and I want to bring them to the Midlands, and I want to be travelling and taking the best fights and the titles, but first we’ve got to get through Saturday. “

Lewis Ritson:

“We’re ready, fit as anything, and I’m sure Conah is as well. We’ve got that similar style in that we love to fight each other, so on Saturday night I’m expecting fireworks really and a very tough night for both of us.

“I’ve had some really good nights in Newcastle and hopefully we can get through Saturday and we can have a few more. I’m only 31, it feels like I’ve been going for more, so roll back the years on Saturday and get the career back going.”

Cameron Vuong:

“I think I am going to have to show a little bit of everything, things I haven’t had to show before. I’ve got a lot of respect for Gavin, he’s a tough, tough man and he’s done great things in the sport, Commonwealth, British, European champion, you don’t get that for no reason. I’m looking forward to it, it’s my toughest test to date but I’m looking to put on a masterclass and a big performance.

“I want to make that top level one day so these are the fights I want to take. I believe in my ability, my team believes in my ability, so it’s about taking the right fights at the right time, and I believe Gavin has had his day and it’s my time now.”

Gavin Gwynne:

“I want to thank you firstly for having me back, coming off a loss I never thought I’d get the call again, so I am grateful to be here.

“He’s a good prospect but I have the experience behind me. He’s probably thinking that my best days are behind me, i know a lot of people are, but come Saturday night I am going to throw it back and put on a big performance, a statement one that will chuck me right back into the mix.

“I can always remember my first title fight and I went to places I thought I would never go, and it shows how much you’ve got inside you, and I’ve just got to see of he’s got that.”

Kieron Conway:

“This is a big fight and it leads to big things. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been all around the world on great cards, but this is just as big for me as any of the other fights you have given to me. Yesterday at the workout I looked into his eyes and saw a man with nothing to lose, which is dangerous, so I am aware of that, but equally as dangerous is a man with everything to lose, and that’s me. I’m going to be switched on and looking to put on the performance of a lifetime.

“My experience is massive and I think that pays dividends going forwards in all of my fights. Each one is just another piece of the puzzle.”

Ryan Kelly:

“To be involved in this show in Birmingham makes sense, and to be fighting Kieron for a big title makes it that bit more exciting. I think the fight is going to have a bit of everything in it, and I’ll do my bit to make sure it’s exciting.

“It’s a must-win to move on and have a great 2025. I need to go out there and perform, and I’m under no illusion that I’m fighting a good kid in Kieron but on Saturday the respect goes out of the window and it’s game on.”

Callum Smith:

“It’s good to be back. Activity is key and it’s something I haven’t had over the past five years or so and that’s killed my momentum. I’ve decided that I want to give it another proper go and I want to get active, get the ball rolling this weekend and then it puts me in a good position going into the new year and into any fight that is offered. I believe I’m good enough to be a two-weight World champion, I wouldn’t be sitting here if I didn’t believe that and the journey starts again on Saturday. 

“I’ve always set the bar high and I’ve never been motivated by money, it’s always been about being the best and being a World champion. I knew that the belts were going to be tied up for the foreseeable future, opportunities didn’t look like they were going to be there to get one again, so I thought if I can’t be the best I don’t want to do it anymore. I took time away to reflect and it looks like the belts might be spreading out in the near future, so there’s still fights out there for me and I do believe I am good enough to be a two-weight World champion, and I would have kicked myself if I didn’t give it another good go to try to achieve it. So we get the ball rolling and I definitely believe I will be a World champion again next year.”

Troy Jones:

“I’ve got great support as you can hear, they came out yesterday, they have come out today, they do it all the time. Michael better get his CV back ready as it’s going to be a long night for him on Saturday. 

“He can’t talk as he’s got nothing to talk about, he’s beaten no-one, fought no-one. I’m going to hurt him in that ring, trust me.

“I’m going to teach him a boxing lesson and a fighting lesson as well. I’m putting on a calculated performance and show him what I am about in there.

“You are going to get a big performance, and I think he knows it.”

Michael Stephenson:

“I’m ready. I left my full-time job to train for this fight, the sacrifices I’ve made in the last eight years comes down to Saturday and I’m ready to take this English title home.

“You know what I’m about, I’m there for war and that’s what I’m ready for, to take that title back to Northampton.”

Hamza Uddin:

“Always big performances pending, I’ve got a main card slot as it should be. Benn is a good fighter and as he said about me, I’ve got nothing bad to say about him, if I did I definitely would have said it. He’s a good lad and from a good fighting family, it’s nothing personal, it’s just business when I step inside the ring and I’m looking to get a big knockout win.

“With the style that I bring, I think that even my average performances are special. We’re not looking for average this Saturday, we’re going for a big performance. Shout out to everyone that’s coming and who has been at the events this week, we go again on Saturday and there’s going to be fireworks.”

Benn Norman:

“Thank you for opportunity Eddie, Saturday night is going to be no different, I’m just an idiot that fights anyone in the country or around the world. I’ve got a lot of respect for Hamza, he’s a really good lad and he comes from a great boxing family, so I am looking forward to having a good Midlands dust-up.

“I’m 28 now so I’m still young, but you might as well take the opportunities while they are coming because before you know it, your career is over. It’s going to be a privilege to be in the ring on Saturday night with another great fighter.”

Ibraheem Sulaimaan:

“Thank you to the Matchroom team, I’m back out again this year and I’m going to end it with a bang. We’re going to take it one step at a time, now that I’ve got a contract we’re climbing the ladder in the correct manner and we’re going to reach where I want to reach which is the top of the world.”

Aaron Bowen:

“I’ve had 15 months out but sold 500 tickets, so it shows that people are really getting behind me and they’ll make a lot of noise, you’ll see on Saturday night that there’s a big crowd, big noise and a big performance.

“It’s one step at a time but I’m putting the work in at the gym so it’s all looking up and get this one out of the way and we push on for a massive 2025.”

Taylor Bevan:

“Thank you Eddie for having me on such a brilliant show for my debut. I’m really enjoying fight week so far, taking it all in and just looking forward to putting in a great performance on Saturday and hopefully it’s the start of a very successful career.

“I’m looking to bring some of that amateur pedigree into the pros, I’ve boxed some of the best in the world in the amateurs and I’ve been in some exciting fights, two of them with Aaron to my right and maybe that’s one in the future that we can get arranged.”

Galal Yafai faces the toughest test of his professional journey so far when he locks horns with former IBF Flyweight World Champion Sunny Edwards in a blockbuster all-British clash at BP Pulse LIVE in Birmingham this Saturday, shown live worldwide on DAZN. 

Olympic Champion Yafai, who headlines in his home city for the second time, has breezed to 8-0 (6 KOs) since turning over back in February 2022, but in ‘Showtime’ Edwards the Birmingham native is up against his most experienced and decorated opponent to date.

Edwards (21-1, 4 KOs), who holds a win over Yafai in the amateurs, is determined to become a two-time World Champion after suffering the first loss of his career in a blockbuster unification clash with Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez at the Desert Diamond Arena in Arizona last December.

With the interim WBC World Title on the line this weekend, the winner will go on to a likely World Title shot in their next fight – but Yafai insists he his solely focused on the job at hand and putting his long-standing rivalry with Edwards to bed once and for all. 

“We knew we’d get to this stage,” said Yafai. “We both had to do our bit. I became Olympic Champion, and he became World Champion. We were both on the trajectory to be fighting each other.

“I know he has a story about how he should have been picked for the Olympics, but the reality is I went to the Olympics, and then I went to the Olympics again and won Gold. So, it doesn’t matter to me.

“When I first started boxing, he was one of the first ones that beat me as an amateur, ABA’s at the time – it’s just been brewing since then. It’s not something that I’m that assed about but I’ll say, ‘he beat me on a split decision’. I’ll tell anyone. You’re competing against the best and Sunny was the best in the country.

 “Realistically, I’ve got more chance of knocking him out than he has of me, but anybody can be knocked out, and with those little gloves, everyone punches, so I’ve got to be careful and do things the right way.

“I’ve got to be the best version of Galal Yafai. When he boxes he’s a bit more trickier and on the back foot. I come forward and bring pressure. It’s two contrasting styles. I can knock him out, but it doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen.”

Edwards vs. Yafai tops a huge night of action in Birmingham, Wolverhampton Welterweight Conah Walker (13-3-1, 5 KOs) takes on Forest Hall’s former British Super-Lightweight Champion Lewis Ritson (23-4, 13 KOs) over ten rounds, Northampton’s Kieron Conway (12-3-1, 6 KOs) clashes with Birmingham’s Ryan Kelly (19-4-1, 8 KOs) for the Commonwealth Middleweight Title, Blyth Lightweight prospect Cameron Vuong (6-0, 3 KOs) steps up against Wales’ former British, Commonwealth and European Champion Gavin Gwynne (17-3-1, 5 KOs) in just his seventh fight, exciting Walsall Flyweight Hamza Uddin (2-0, 1 KO)faces Shepshed’s Benn Norman (7-5) over six rounds, Liverpool’s former Super-Middleweight World Champion Callum Smith (29-2, 21 KOs) returns to a British ring against Colombia’s Carlos Galvan (20-14-2, 19 KOs), Birmingham’s Troy Jones (11-0, 6 KOs) and Northampton’s Michael Stephenson (9-2) collide for the vacant English Middleweight Title, Coventry Middleweight Aaron Bowen (3-0, 2 KOs) returns against Swansea’s JamesTodd (4-3-2), Birmingham Super-Featherweight Ibraheem Sulaimaan (5-0, 3 KOs) fights for the fist time under the Matchroom promotional banner against Nicaragua’s Marvin Solano (24-20, 8 KOs) and 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Taylor Bevan makes his professional debut at Super-Middleweight against Horden’s Greg O’Neill (7-8-1, 1KO). 

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“This is a major night for British boxing, November 30, back in Birmingham, as we continue this great run of shows in the Midlands, and this time we’ve got a domestic classic for you. The man to my right, Sunny Edwards, the former World champion, the man who went out to attempt to unify against Bam Rodriguez, fighting one of Birmingham’s greatest ever fighters, and certainly their best amateur fighter, the Olympic gold medalist Galal Yafai. It’s exactly the kind of fight that we want to make, a pure 50-50 domestic match-up for the WBC Interim World championship, live and exclusive on DAZN around the world.

“There’s so much more talent on the top table with me and after his performance on Saturday in Sheffield and moving to 5-0, Ibrahim ‘Spider’ Suleiman. Ibrahim is a fighter that we’ve worked with for a long time now, and I’ve always felt like he’s part of the family. Sometimes you feel like you don’t really need contracts and when I first met Jaykae and talking to him, the belief and popularity Ibrahim has in this city, we were on board. But today we officially announce a new multi-year partnership with Ibrahim and welcome him officially to the Matchroom team.

“I’m really excited about our young talent, and you are going to see a number of major signings worldwide over the next couple of weeks, and it’s really important that we invest in the young talent in this country. It’s a pivotal moment for British boxing at the moment, you’ll have seen on social media the changes that we’re making to the schedule, to the product, start times, everything, but it all stems off of young talent.

“I think Hamza Uddin is one of the best young fighters in the world, not just in Birmingham or the UK, I think this kid has got superstar potential. He had a little hand injury, and we couldn’t carry on his momentum, but he’s got a big step up on November 30 against Benn Norman, the Area champion, and I think this kid is going to go on and win World titles.

“I watched Aaron Bowen box in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and I couldn’t believe the support he had. He started his career off like a train bringing hundreds and hundreds of people from Coventry to his fights, and after 15 months out of the ring with injury, it’s like we’ve got a brand new prospect on our hands with Aaron.

“Cameron Vuong is on holiday but he’s in a great fight with Gavin Gwynne, and I think we need to give Cameron a lot of credit and respect with the speed he’s moving, I put Cameron in the same mould as Hamza and this fight is a very, very tough one.

“When we were making this card I wanted something Before the Bell, something local and domestic, and I said to our matchmaker Tom Dallas ‘give me a war, a local kid that’s going to sell a load of tickets and have a war’. He threw up the English Lightweight championship between Troy Jones and Michael Stephenson. Troy is from Birmingham, undefeated, sells a huge amount of tickets, and it is very important to make these fights for the undercard.

“Here are two guys that we’re very fond of, last time out Conah Walker, it was such a brilliant, brilliant fight with Lewis Crocker, one that could have gone either way. I know Conah feels he won the fight, but for me, it’s one of the fights of the year. And when you talk about heart and guts, this kid just epitomises it. This is why records are for DJs, they are so deceiving, you look at Conan’s record and maybe you are not sure about him, but he’s a real handful. Lewis Ritson has been there and done it all, and this is a real throwback fight, a brilliant Welterweight fight. We talk about ‘winner stays on’ a lot, but this is almost like ‘loser goes home’ – neither guy can afford to lose. They are both coming off a defeat, it’s must-win for them both and the styles will gel beautifully.”

Sunny Edwards:

“What I think it is, and it’s probably the same for Galal, I feel like we both chase competition. We’ve both spent the best part of the last ten years going around the world and facing the best challenges or trying to. I don’t fear losing, I don’t fear the harm another person can do to my body, especially at my size. I like challenges so it’s never about this fight or that fight, it’s ’Eddie, what fight do you want?’ Because you should want the biggest fights as you aren’t in the business of promoting small fights. I don’t really care and I’m never going to be scared of anyone that weighs 112lbs. Galal is one of the best in the world and he has been for a few years now, especially in the amateurs and in the Olympics, and he’s shown that he’s taken to the pro game like a duck to water, and he’s done everything asked of him. I know that some people maybe asking if this is too soon, or wondering why the fight is happening, but I was always ready for this fight, it was inevitable. Maybe I thought it would take a little bit longer, but we’ve got the fight now, I’m happy for it and I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s the same reasons that I pretty much beat everyone else. My footwork, my IQ, my decision making, my engine, my activity during rounds. I’m very hard to win rounds against. Galal is a fantastic fighter, a great operator, but for me the best thing about this fight is it’s going to give the fans again something to watch back and the only time that’s really happened in my career so far is when I lost to Bam, so I want to have that fight that I can watch back and win. Yes, I can always box and move but it doesn’t make for the best spectacle, but against Galal, we just get in there and having it out straight away, we’re never too far from each other, one two steps at a time. I’m just looking forward to a great fight, former World champion against former Olympic Gold medialist, the Edwards and Yafai names have been partnered for years before me and Galal even, and if you look at Fly or Super-Flyweight accolade or achievement over the last five-ten years of British boxing it’s come from and Edwards or a Yafai. The names have been together so now it’s about seeing what name is that little bit further in front.

“I’ll be real, I really like Galal. We’ve spent a lot of time sparring, we’ve spent time on Team GB together, and even when he’s your rival because he’s getting picked for stuff over you, it’s not really about that. I’ve had a good relationship with Kal, Gamal said a few things on social media whether he’s trying to get in my head or sell the fight, or just let me know that he doesn’t like me, it doesn’t really matter to me, the fight is between me and Galal, we’re representing the Edwards name and the Yafai name, and it’s a great fight for Birmingham, it’s a massive card for this part of the world, there’s some fantastic fighters up and down this card, and it’s what British boxing should be. I don’t see another British fighter out there around my division that would bring as much to the fight as Galal will.

“Not sure about this stuff with Rob!) My question was never whether Galal was good enough or should have gone to the Olympics, my question was more at the system. The same person who was not only training his brother but making the decisions on who got sent where and when to the qualifiers and what not, is also the same person that’s negotiating with Eddie about this fight and also the same person who is going to be in the ring on fight night, and they are still training at the same gym that was lottery funded. For me, it just seems like the game is a bit skewed, why have I got to walk into a system where there are already connections above my head and fast-forward eight years, I’m still battling that same set up and they are still using tax payers and lottery money to run their gym and pay the physios, the analysts, the nutritionists, the corner men, and the flats that they stay in over the road. And for me it just stinks a bit that one man has been given this grace that he can decide who is the Olympians and then sign them and train them out of the same gym, to me that seems a bit crazy.”

Galal Yafai:

“I know that there were a few complaints about me fighting on Saturday but it’s something that I had to do, I’m selfish, I have got to be the best Galal Yafai going in to fight Sunny, and I will make sure that I am the best. He wants to win, I want to win and there will be one winner on the night, and the certain winners will be the fans.

“I’ll show everyone on November 30. He’s got his game plan; I’ve got my game plan. But if anyone had seen our spars, they’d know it’s a proper fight. I know we’re Flyweights and we’re small, and people don’t care as much about it, but this is a proper fight. I’m not coming to take the money and live off that, I’m coming to do what I have to do and I’m sure he is as well.

“They were good spars, 50-50. I’m not going to sit here and bullshit and say I beat him up, they were competitive. Sunny is stubborn, I’m stubborn, that’s what is going to make it a good fight. Do you think I’m going to allow Sunny to come to Birmingham and just run rings around me? And do you think he’s just going to let me pressure him and beat him up? It’s not going to happen, we’re both going to do what we can to win.

“I’m always quiet because the guys that I fight don’t speak English! With Sunny, people don’t really know that we fought nearly ten years ago, this has been bubbling for years and years. He went on to win a World title, I went on to win Olympic gold, we’ve both done our bit and we’re here now at the crossroads, and trust me, I do not want to Sunny, and he doesn’t want to lose to me.”

Conah Walker:

“The last fight was what it was, I don’t want to revisit it in terms of the result or scorecards, I’ve taken a lot from it. We had a chat after and that put a good spin on a bad situation, and look now, I’ve got Lewis Ritson. I’ve been a fan of his watching him when I was coming up in the amateurs and he was doing things we could only dream of. He was the fastest to win the British title outright, he was obliterating guys, but I think with my run of form I just think I’m going to be that much better and our styles will gel. Neither of us are slicksters, last time out against Paddy, Paddy just wasn’t there so it was hard for him to show anything, he won’t have that problem with me. We’re going to meet in the middle and the toughest survives.

“I’m expecting to double what I did last time and bring more, obviously I’ve gained a few fans from the last fight and I believe that this is where I should be, rightly so. I should be on this table and on this side of the table, I’ve worked my arse off to get here and I’m here to stay. We’re working hard in the gym, polishing the edges, and every time I fight, I’m becoming a more complete fighter. I just want to keep ticking the boxes, Lewis Crocker was a difficult fighter but me doing that, proves where I am at. He’s highly ranked and touted to be the next big thing at world-level, so surely that is the same for me? So I am looking forward to the future.”

Lewis Ritson:

“I’ve got a really hard fight with Conah, he took his chance against Cyrus and he’s just getting better and better but we’re here to upset the applecart and we’re more than 100 per cent confident that we can do that.

“I’ve got the ringrust off, I’m coming in off the loss to Paddy but I hadn’t been in the ring for a year and a half. Styles make fights and Paddy wasn’t the right style for me, I believe Conah is and we’re the right style for each other. It can’t be nothing but a barnstormer, it’s make or break for both of us so we have to win and we’re coming in as fit as we can and hopefully we can pull it off.

“We both like to come forward, we both like the body shots, we like to stand there and not give much ground. It’s survival of the fittest, Conah’s got a good engine on him, but we know what we have to do on the night, we need to be fitter than him, stronger than him, tougher than him, and we think we can do that.”

Troy Jones:

“This is what I’ve been working towards. I’ve done my apprenticeship. He told the story about asking for the fight at the 5k, but I tell you what kid, be careful what you ask for. He’s coming into the Lion’s Den, and he’s going to find out on November 30.

“This is the platform that I need, and you’ll have me back, Eddie.

“Fair play for asking for the fight, but everyone will find out what I’m about. There’s going to be plenty of noise and the Midlands has got some good talent, so it’s a good time to be up and coming in the Midlands, and I couldn’t ask for a better card to be on.

“There’s no pressure, there’s only pressure when you don’t do the work in the gym. I know what I can do in the ring. This is what dreams are made of, I’ve been fighting on small hall shows, so it’s already a dream come true, but when I do the business on November 30, they’ll know who I am then, and I won’t let anyone down.”

Michael Stephenson:

“I went to the Matchroom 5k with Terence Crawford last week and saw Frank Smith running. I went up to him and said ‘Frank, get versus Troy for the English title’. A week later my manager rang me and said ‘you’re on the show’. If you don’t ask you don’t get, so thank you.

“There’s a lot of talent in Northampton and it’s coming through, so watch out for us.

“I’m going in there with a winner’s mentality. If I go in there as the underdog, it’s not going to work out well. I’ve had two losses, but they were two learning fights. I know what Troy is about, and he’s going to have a hard, hard night.”

Hamza Uddin:

“I can’t wait, I’m a fighting man and I can’t wait to get my hands on someone and punch them in the face. I’m not even from Birmingham but the noise here is great, I bring a lot of support and there’s a reason why, it’s because I’m down to earth, I love my people and I’ve got an exciting style, people like to tune in to watch me and I’m just doing my thing.

“It’s a big step-up but it’s what I asked Sam for, I needed a big step-up, but I have every trick in the book. Everyone will tell you about my power and rightly so, but I have more than power. In my first fight I knocked out a Bantamweight, in my last one smashed up a Super-Bantamweight, but this is the first fight at Flyweight and that is my weight, and the world is going to know that Hamza Uddin is a big problem at Flyweight.”

Aaron Bowen:

“I’m grateful to Matchroom and all the sponsors that I have, and for the city of Coventry too. Those times were tough, watching everyone else carry on while I was sat on the sidelines, but the people got me through it and there will be big numbers coming to the show, it couldn’t have been a better show to come back on. I owe it to them as much as I owe it to myself and on November 30 we’re coming to make some noise and start that journey back to a World title.

“I’m sparring World title contenders and I handle myself fine in there. I do believe I can move quickly, I’ve had the amateur pedigree, the support I get, there’s no reason I can’t be a main event or co-main event and I truly believe I am going to get there.”

Ibraheem Sulaimaan:

“It’s a bad cut but we’ve got to accept it and move on, it’s part of the game. Hopefully it heals quickly, and we’re back out ASAP. We’ve got a plan and now I’ve signed the contract, we can move forward with that plan, we’re ready to conquer the world and take it one step at a time to see my name at the top.”

Former IBF World Champion Sunny Edwards and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold Medallist Galal Yafai will collide in a Flyweight thriller at BP Pulse LIVE in Birmingham on Saturday November 30, shown live worldwide on DAZN. 

The British rivals have been on a collision course since former Team GB star Yafai joined the professional ranks in February 2022 after fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming Olympic Champion by outpointing the Philippines’ Carlo Paalam to secure gold in Japan.

Edwards (21-1, 4 KOs) produced a sublime display to inflict a first defeat on Moruti Mthalane in 13 years and become IBF Flyweight World Champion behind closed doors at London’s York Hall back in May 2021.

The gifted 28-year-old, who holds a win over Yafai in the amateurs, went on to make four successful defences of his World Title before suffering the first loss of his career in a blockbuster unification clash with Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez at the Desert Diamond Arena in Arizona last December.

‘Showtime’ returned to winning ways against Adrian Curiel on the undercard of Estrada vs. Rodriguez last time out in June and returns to fight in the UK for the first time since June 2023 aiming to close out the year in style in what promises to be a British blockbuster.

Birmingham’s Yafai (7-0, 5 KOs) picked up the WBC International Flyweight crown on his professional debut at The O2 in London before making defences at the world-famous Madison Square Garden In New York, the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and The O2 once more in April 2023.

The 31-year-old demolished Tommy Frank inside two minutes to preserve his unbeaten record in front of his hometown fans at the Utilita Arena Birmingham in August 2023 before closing out the year with a points win over Rocco Santomauro in Arizona.

His last win came against Agustin Gauto at Fontainebleau Las Vegas earlier this year in April and now Yafai will run out at the Canon Medical Centre in Sheffield on September 28 before he steps up against the vastly more experienced Edwards for the biggest test of his pro career to date. 

“This fight has always been inevitable,” said Edwards. “Our last names hold weight in British boxing and around the world – and it’s really time to put to bed the Edwards-Yafai Saga.

“Being overlooked for the Olympic Games because of family relationships and city ties – lit a fire all those years back. I beat Galal and was shelved in the same year back in 2015 and now this is my chance to show Britain who the real golden boy is.”

“I’m happy that the fight has been made,” said Yafai. “This is going to be a massive fight for British boxing. I need to win a World Title, and this is a fight that will put me on the cusp of fighting for one when I win in my hometown on November 30.”

“This is a huge fight for British boxing,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “I’m delighted to get this one over the line as it’s the right fight for both men. In my opinion these are the best two Flyweights in the world, and they will clash for a shot at the World Title in front of a huge crowd in Birmingham. Former IBF World Champion Edwards will feel he’s the favourite heading into this one as he looks to recapture gold at 112 pounds. Olympic gold medal hero Yafai hasn’t put a foot wrong so far in the pro ranks, this is a massive step up for him but one that he will be confident of overcoming. It has all the makings of a brilliant fight, and I cannot wait for the BP Pulse LIVE in Birmingham to be bouncing on November 30. Standby for announcements on a bumper undercard and we put on an unmissable night of action exclusively live worldwide on DAZN.”

“We love this fight,” said Alfie Sharman, VP DAZN. “I have always been a massive fan of Sunny, a guy who talks the talk and walks the walk in and out of the ring. Galal is a phenomenal talent who in his short pro career so far has probably not faced a fighter as good as Sunny. It will be fireworks. Live and exclusive only on DAZN.”

An announcement on ticket details will be made in due course.

Charlie Edwards must overcome Thomas Essomba, and his own brother, if he is to be crowned EBU European bantamweight champion, live and free on Channel 5.

Edwards challenges title holder Essomba at the world-famous York Hall, on Friday, September 27, at Family Feud, the latest big-hitting Wasserman Boxing event, delivered in association with Ladbrokes, Numan and Infinitum.

It promises to be a bantamweight barnstormer but the sub-plot to this Euro showdown also means Edwards vs Essomba will be a feisty family affair.

Essomba is managed by Charlie’s brother, Sunny, and so their relationship will be pushed to breaking point as ‘Showtime’ helps plot his sibling’s downfall in the ring.

Victory over Essomba edges Edwards ever closer to world title opportunities, but he knows he won’t just be fighting the determined champion with an inspirational backstory – he’ll also have to get the better of his brother.
BIG FIGHT ODDS FROM LADBROKES

Charlie Edwards – 1/12
Thomas Essomba – 13/2
Draw – 18/1Charlie Edwards said: “These are the fights that gets the fire burning.

“I’ve had Essomba in my line of sight for a while now and I’ve not forgotten the disrespect he showed me after my world title fight with Martinez, all those years ago, goading me in a direct message on social media.

“My brother may think he knows me better than anyone, but there is nothing Sunny can do, or say, to stop me from devastatingly ripping the European title from Essomba by vicious knockout.

“This is the biggest fight of my career and of Essomba’s career too, and he should enjoy every second of having Sunny by his side during the build-up because once the bell goes, it’ll just be me and him and I plan on making him pay for what he has said to me.”

Thomas Essomba said: “People need to remember who the champion is, in this fight.

“This is my belt, and this is a voluntary defence, I have given Charlie this opportunity, he hasn’t earned it – don’t be fooled into thinking otherwise.

“I have been through so much in my life and career to get to this point and there is no way I am leaving York Hall without that belt.”

Kalle Sauerland, Global Head of Boxing at Wasserman, said: “It’s Edwards vs Essomba on September 27, live on Channel 5 – but it’s also Edwards vs Edwards!

“Has British boxing ever seen anything like this before, with two brothers on the opposite side of the ring in a major title fight? 

“Charlie, in one corner, planning to rip the title away from Sunny’s charge, Essomba, whilst in the other, Sunny is helping hatch a plan to derail his brother’s comeback.  

“It’s like something out of a movie but this isn’t Hollywood, it’s as real as it gets, and it will play out, live to the nation, on Channel 5!”

Sunny Edwards said: “This is a great opportunity for both fighters.

“For our champion Thomas Essomba it’s his biggest night of his career, defending his European title headlining live on Channel 5 against a former world champion. 

“For my brother an opportunity to save his career and return to big nights.

“The journey Essomba has taken to get here, means he deserves every chance he can get and I will be supporting him fully just like I would with all the fighters I manage.

“What happens in the ring stays in the ring and it’s between Thomas and Charlie who wins on the night. 

“I’m proud of both of them and I am really looking forward to a great night of championship boxing – but don’t get confused I’m Sunny Essomba on September 27.”

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Wasserman have delivered once again and we cannot wait to get stuck into this one; Edwards and Essomba have history, there’s European title on the line and we have two brothers in opposite corners.

“York Hall has been good to Charlie Edwards over the years, and the odds suggest he’ll extend his impressive record in the iconic venue this September.”

“The fans are in for a treat this September and, as always, we’re proud to be a part of it.”

By Norm Frauenheim and David Galaviz

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Only SuperFly could crash the top of the pound-pound debate.

Jesse Rodriguez did that and maybe more with a definitive seventh-round knockout of Juan Francisco Estrada Saturday night in front of a roaring crowd at Footprint.

Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs), the World Boxing Council’s new SuperFly champion, did it by knocking down Estrada (44-4, 28 KOs) in the fourth round and finishing him with a body shot in the seventh. He also did it by showing some of his own grit. He got up from the first knockdown in his career.

“Damn, that was crazy,” Rodriguez said.

Damn that was a good fight, a leading contender for Fight of the Year in 2024.

Estrada, down in the fourth round from a Bam uppercut, came roaring back in the sixth, knocking down Rodriguez with a right hand. What would follow in the seventh was — to use Bam’s word — crazy.

He threw a left hand to Estrada’s body.When it landed, it seemed to paralyze Estrada. He hit the canvas, rolled around in pain. In the final second of the seventh, he was finished, a loser by knockout.

“I made a lot of mistakes,” said the 37-year-old Estrada, who was fighting for the time in about 19 months.

He’s hoping to correct those mistakes in a rematch. Estrada said his contract included a clause for a rematch,perhaps later in the year.

For the 24-year-old Rodriguez, just about anything seems possible. There was even talk about a fight with Japan’s Naoya Inoue. That’s a pound-for-pound possibility, one created when Rodriguez crashed the top of the debate.

Bloodied Sunny Edwards wins technical decision

Sunny in Arizona? More like Scarred.

In his second straight fight in the Phoenix area science a bruising stoppage loss in December to Bam Rodriguez, UK flyweight Sunny Edwards sustained a nasty wound near his right eye in a fight eventually stopped because of a cut caused by a head butt.

This time, Edwards won, scoring a 90-82, 88-84, 87-85 technical decision over Adrian Curiel Saturday night at Footprint Center.

“I’m leaving Arizona a lot uglier than I was when I came here,” Edwards (21-1, 4 KOs) said after the flyweight bout.

The clash of heads came in the sixth. It caused a cut, a long deep gash from the inside of Edwards right eye and up along his forehead. Early in the ninth, referee Mark Nelson ended it on advice of the ringside physician.

The crowd booed.

“I’m not any happier than you are,” Edwards said.

Edwards, of the UK,  came out fast, moving side-to-side and forward behind a jab moving at a rapid-fire rate. Curiel (24-6-1, 5 KOs), a former champion from Mexico, didn’t seem to notice, or care. He moved laterally, kept his gloves up in a defensive posture and seemed to wait for an opportunity. It didn’t come.

 Edwards mocked him in the second, pushed him to the canvas with one hand in the third and mocked him again in the fifth. The crowd whistled, then booed. Then, there was the head butt. Edwards immediately responded, going straight at Curiel with a jab and long right hand. But the blood continued to pour from the cut and into his eyei, a sure sign that the fight would be stopped.

Mercado Decisions Ali To Retain Super Bantamweight belt

In the first of two world tittle fight we had Yamileth Mercado (23-3,5kos) of Ciudad Cuauthemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico taking on Ramla Ali (9-1,2kos) of London, United Kingdom. This will mark the first time fighting in the State since 2021 when she took on Amanda Serrano. This marks her 7th tittle defense of her WBC Super Bantamweight belt. Ramla is coming off a win in the rematch with Julissa Guzman last November. Both coming in at weight limit 

In the opening round was not much action with each filling out one another. However Yamileth pulled away with a few more effective punches. Ramla came out more aggressive to start the 2nd round landed a straight left flush to Mercados face. Mercado got her revenge at the end of the round as she appeared to hurt Ali but it was too late as the round ended. 

The fight picked up as both came out swinging and the continued through out the round with both landing good shots. Effortlessly getting the crowd excited in this tittle fight. 

Ali is finding a home with her Jab continuing to land it, as in the fifth it caught Mercado. 

The middle rounds of the fight had bits and pieces of action, no significant punches landing. 

Much of the same as we entered the championship rounds of the fight, Ali did land an over and right and a left hook to edge out the round. 

Yamileth came out swinging for the final round, but ali had an answer for the aggression once again with her neutralizer the left jab. Effectively halting Mercados offense. As the round continued both fighter put it in over drive and gave the fans in the Footprint Center a well deserved ending to the fight. 

Going to the judges as each having Yamileth Mercado winning 98-92, 98-93, and 97-93 getting the unanimous decision. Successfully defending her tittle for the 8th time Mercado stated she now wants to unify the titles. —-David Galaviz

Cardenas escapes with a majority decision

A slow start. A furious finish.

Arturo Cardenas (14-0-1, 8 KOs) opened the DAZN show featuring Bam Rodriguez-Juan Francisco Estrada Saturday looking tentative. He appeared unsure of himself and perhaps his opponent, Phoenix Mexican junior-featherweight Danny Barrios (15–1, 5 KOs).

But he quickly overcame his slow start and, in the end, overcame Barrios.

Midway through the 10-round bout, the Robert Garcia-trained Cardenas began to find his range and used his superior power. Repeatedly, he caught Barrios with left hands and short right-uppercuts. The crowd roared. Then, it booed as Barrios began to retreat, back away from the increasingly aggressive Cardenas in the ninth and 10th.

In the end, Cardenas escaped with a majority decision. He won on two cards, 97-93 nd 96-94. But on the third, it was a draw, 95-95

Gabriel Muratalla stays unbeaten 

Gabriel Muratalla, a workman-like bantamweight from Fontana CA, was all business.

In the end, that’s what he got, a business-like decision, over Carlos Fontes (23-4-1, 5 KOs), a well-conditioned Phoenix fighter,  who lacked enough hand speed to match Muratalla (12-0, 5 KOs) on the scorecard in the third bout on the Bam-Rodriguez card at Footprint Center..

Muratalla, who had Bam trainer Robert Garcia in his corner, scored often, winning a 99-73, 78-74, 77-75 decision 

AZ welterweight Fabian Rojo scores powerful stoppage

Fabian Rojo‘s left hand left no doubt.

No doubt about why he’s unbeaten.

And, on Saturday, it left Daniel Gonzalez with no chance.

Rojo (9-0, 7 KOs), of Glendale AZ, dropped Gonzalez (5-2,2 KOs), of Albuquerque, three times within two rounds, all with his left hand, in the second bout on a card featuring Juan Francisco Estrada versus Jesse “Bam Rodriguez at Footprint Center.

It ended with successive lefts, each moving like pistons in an engine. They landed like pistons, too, finishing Gonzalez at 1:13 of the second round. The crowd, already gathering in Footprint, roared. Even Gonzalez applauded. He got off the canvas and lifted Rojo up in celebration of a fighter who had just overwhelmed him.   

To get the night started Leonardo Rubacalva (7-0 3Kos) of Teocaltich, Jalisco Mexico took on William “Double barrel” Flenoy (3-3-1) of Fresno, CA. The first round was all Leonardo landing at will, stunning flurry a few times. Things picked up in the 2nd with the fight and the crowd, as Leonardo started to put more pressure on his opponent. Midway through the fight Leo landed s very effective punch combination. Not to stay quiet William came with some shots of his own as to say my double barrel is not empty to which earned the respect of Rubacalva. 

Half way through the fight both fighters showed the mutual respect and not much action happen. With 20 seconds in the 3rd, Rubacalva put it in another gear and landed a left hook that took Williams balance away and having going to the neutral corner with Leonardo following him and landing a few more punches before the bell rang to end the round. 

An over hand right that caught everyone by surprise in the arena by Rubacalva other than the big right the 4th round was not much action. 

The fifth round to which the fight lasted this long to many surprised was more of the same as the previous couple rounds a lot of respect and save the action till the last part of the round

The last round both fighters came out trading punches as if both needed to win the round. The way the round started is the way it ended with both fighters leaving it all out in the ring, not saving nothing for tomorrow. All 3 judges scored it for Leonardo 60-54, the other two having it 59-55 earning a unanimous decision improving to 8-0(3Kos). —-David Galaviz

Sunny Edwards believes he could beat Adrian Curiel and Sivenathi Nontshinga in the same night – but on Saturday in Phoenix he only needs to see off Curiel to get back into the World title mix at Footprint Center, live worldwide on DAZN.

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Edwards (20-1 4 KOs) returns to Arizona having taken on Jesse Rodriguez in a Flyweight unification clash in December just up the road in Glendale. ‘Bam’ came out on top in that tussle and tops the bill against Juan Francisco Estrada on Saturday night, with the Briton providing the chief-support action against fellow former World king Curiel (24-5-1 5 KOs).

The Mexican claimed the IBF Light-Flyweight title with a sensational second round KO win over Nontshinga in Monte Carlo in November, but the South African exacted revenge in February in Curiel’s backyard.

Both men will be looking to bounce back with a win in Phoenix, and Edwards believes defeat to Bam has sharpened his focus and made him hungrier than ever to reclaim his perch at the top of the boxing tree.

“I might have more of a chip on my shoulder,” said Edwards. “I think I’ve lost a bit of complacency that I was getting, the main difference of my mindset into the fight, since I was a World champion I lost the fear and gained an ego. Going away for a training camp, taking two or three sparring partners, taking my coach and another coach, a nutritionist; yes, there’s X, Y, Z of cost for that, but it will always be worth it.

“He’s a former World champion just like me. His fight against Nontshinga in Monte Carlo that he won, he was aggressive he started very fast, he started hurting Nontshinga early, and he got him out of there. It was an impressive win. In the rematch in his hometown, he tried the same but this time he was exhausted by round six or seven, and I wasn’t too surprised when the tide started turning. Anyone that tries to set the pace like that and hasn’t really got God given engines where they don’t really slow down, they’re going to get found out and that’s what happened. 

“I genuinely think I could beat Curiel and Nontshinga on the same night. Is he dangerous? Of course. Everyone is. Was I massively impressed? I feel like I’ve been in the ring with far better and I’ve beaten far better. So, it’s a great opportunity for me to put on an impressive performance.”

Edwards’ clash with Curiel is part of a stacked night of action in Phoenix, topped by the blockbuster clash between Estrada and Rodriguez for the Mexican’s WBC and Ring Magazine Super-Flyweight titles.

Yamileth Mercado defends her WBC World Super-Bantamweight title against Ramla Ali and unbeaten duo Arturo Cardenas and Danny Barrios meet for the WBC Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title.

Matchroom’s latest signing Leonardo Rubalcava will open the show against William Flenoy over six rounds, Phoenix’s Fabian Rojo faces New Mexico’s Daniel Gonzalez over six rounds at Welterweight and unbeaten Californian Bantamweight Gabriel Muratalla meets Mexican Carlos Fontes over eight rounds.

Sunny Edwards and Adrian Curiel will clash in a 12-round Flyweight battle as the chief support bout for the blockbuster World title clash between Juan Francisco Estrada and Jesse Rodriguez at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday June 29, live worldwide on DAZN.

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Both men will be looking to bounce back to winning ways and get back to World champion status, and for Edwards (20-1 4 KOs), it’s an immediate return to the state where he met headline star Rodriguez in a unification clash in December.

The Briton faced ‘Bam’ in Glendale with his IBF title on the line against the WBO king, but was stopped in the ninth round of a thrilling battle, leaving the states with a first career defeat. The 28 year old, who also penned a new deal with Matchroom today, will be looking to regain the IBF belt after Bam vacated it to face Estrada, a title that he took from Moruti Mthalane in London in April 2021 and successfully defended four times before facing Rodriguez.

Curiel (24-5-1 5 KOs) moves up in weight after two dramatic World title clashes with Sivenathi Nontshinga. The Mexican challenged the South African in Monte Carlo for the IBF World Light-Flyweight title in November and stunned the champion with a KO of the year contending right hand in the second round to rip the crown away. The pair met again in a rematch in February in Oaxaca, Mexico, but this time it was the former champion that exacted revenge in a thrilling battle with a 10th round stoppage.

“I’m really excited to get the next chapter of my career underway,” said Edwards. “Agreeing another deal with Matchroom which confirms my future here for the foreseeable future.

“With the belief I’ve got in me from the promotional team and the events I’ve been involved in, I know I’m in the right place.

“Me vs Curiel is a hell of a fight. He is a former World Champion, like myself, and we’re both fighting to get back into World title contention.

“I’m going to Arizona again and fighting in front of an even bigger crowd this time, filled with passionate Mexican and American boxing fans. 29 June, I’m looking forward to being back.”

“I have a brand-new opportunity for my career,” said Curiel. “When you lose, you learn, and I will prove it against Edwards on June 29. 

“If they want to make it 112lbs we will take it even though this is not my weight, all because I am thirsty for revenge. Viva Mexico!!”

“This is a great fight between two men desperate to get back to the top,” said Hearn. “Sunny was a World champion for a long time and when that feeling goes, you want to get it back as soon as possible, while Adrian only just tasted that for himself for a short time, so both men know that this is a must-win fight to get back into the mix, and comes as the chief support to one of the biggest fights of the year.”

By Norm Frauenheim –

GLENDALE, Ariz. – There were no surprises on the scale. Off-the-scale, there weren’t many either.

On the scale, at least, Sunny Edwards and Jesse Bam Rodriguez were identical, 111.6 pounds each, Friday morning at the official weigh-in conducted by the Arizona Boxing & MMA Commission.

They repeated that weigh-in in a staged version later in the day at Desert Diamond Arena just a few feet away from where the ring awaited them for Saturday night’s DAZN-streamed flyweight-title unification fight.

It was on that stage that the dramatic differences between them became evident. The left-handed Rodriguez (18-0, 14 KOs) had little to say. The right-handed Edwards (20-0, 4 KOs) had plenty to say.

Edwards is sometimes called the UK’s pound-for-pound best. You might get an argument from heavyweight champion Tyson Fury about that.

Place Edwards next to Fury, and it might be hard to find the flyweight. Fury was 268.8 pounds for his last fight. Even by heavyweight standards, Fury is mammoth, more than two times bigger than Edwards, the International Boxing Federation’s 112-pound champion

But Edwards’ mouth is just as big.

It continued to roar, Fury-like, at what promoters called a ceremonial weigh-in. After he stepped off the scale, he continued to call Rodriguez a cheater.

The drug-cheat theme started on social media a few days ago. It continued Thursday during a news conference when he called Rodriguez a cheat because of his relationship with SNAC and sports-nutritionist Victor Conte.

Friday, Edwards weighed in by pointing to the inside of each of his arms.

“Clean veins, clean veins,’’ he said.

By now, no interpretation of the body language was necessary.

Then, he grabbed the microphone and offered his own narrative of what had transpired in the moments leading up to the staged weigh-in. He said that Rodriguez had kept him waiting.

“Bam was still getting the needle outta his arm,’’ Edwards said.

Then, he promptly – and appropriately – dropped — the mike just as Rodriguez and his corner exited the stage, shaking their heads in dismay and perhaps anger.

The tension is there — nothing ceremonial about it — and it’s building for a contentious fight on the DAZN card (5 pm PT/8 pm ET/ 1 am UK).  

Edwards offers no real evidence to support his allegations. Promoter Eddie Hearn, Scott Fletcher of the Arizona Commission and Conte have all told 15 Rounds that both fighters have been undergoing anti-doping tests.

Edwards said on X (formerly Twitter) that he was tested by VADA Friday. Still, he continues his trash-talk campaign, which is seemingly intended to distract Rodriguez, the World Boxing Organization’s flyweight champion.

If it’s working, it’s not evident. Rodriguez, a quiet fighter from San Antonio, stayed composed in the face of Edwards’ latest rhetorical assault Friday.

“Mentally and emotionally, I’m as ready as I’ve ever been for any fight,’’ he said.

The favored Rodriguez, who plans to jump back up to super-fly (115 pounds) after Saturday, acknowledges that Edwards represents a challenge. The UK fighter is elusive. He’s often best when fighting off his back foot.

There’s no argument about Edwards’ ring style. It poses problems, both for Rodriguez and perhaps a crowd expected to be predominantly Mexican-American.

Can Edwards win a decision?

“He can’t win at all,’’ Rodriguez said in what might be a simple summation of what he thinks of Edwards and what he hopes to do to him.

By Norm Frauenheim –

GLENDALE, AZ – Sunny Edwards called Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez a cheater Thursday, alleging that he has been using banned performance enhancers.

Edwards leveled the controversial charges in a face-to-face exchange with Rodriguez in the final news conference before their flyweight fight Saturday for two pieces of the 112-pound title at Desert Diamond Arena.

“You have SNAC on your trunks,’’ Edwards said. “Everybody knows what that means. SNAC, that means cheat.’’

Edwards offered no other evidence to support his charges other than the SNAC acronym for a sports-nutrition company run by Victor Conte.

Rodriguez is a SNAC client, one of many in boxing.

“I don’t cheat,’’ Rodriguez said to reporters after the contentious newser. “I don‘t have to cheat.’’

Scott Fletcher, Chairman of the Arizona Boxing & MMA Commission, and Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, the fight’s promoter, told 15 Rounds that both fighters have undergone testing.

Hearn said testing has been conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).

“VADA has been testing for months,’’ Hearn said of a fight that was announced in mid-August.

Conte told 15 Rounds that the testing was contractually-mandated at his urging in talks with Rodriguez trainer Robert Garcia.

“I strongly recommended to Robert that they test, and he agreed,’’ said Conte, who served time in prison for pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute steroids in 2005 when he ran BALCO.

Conte also said he strongly recommended that VADA conduct the testing.

“It’s the most stringent and most expensive test,’’ Conte said.

Conte also told 15 Rounds that fighters aligned with SNAC “are, for the most part, the cleanest in boxing.’’

Edwards’ explosive allegations came near the end of a wild news conference that began with a scuffle between camps for a couple of undercard fighters, junior-middleweights Gordie Ross II of Detroit and Junaid Bostan of the UK.

They exchanged profane insults on-stage. Moments later, their handlers exchanged blows in an off-stage fracas that sent chairs flying and bodies falling.

Next up: Sunny and Bam. Their part in newser began predictably, meaning both fighters promised to win.

“I’ll be taking his belt and his 0,’’ Rodriguez (18-0, 14 KOs), a San Antonio fighter and the World Boxing Organization’s champion, said to the London flyweight (20-0, 4 KOs), the International Boxing Federation’s champ.

Then, it took a nasty turn when Edwards interrupted Rodriguez.

At first, it sounded as if Edwards was annoyed at remarks Rodriquez had made a few days ago.

Apparently, Edwards thought Rodriguez had questioned the Londoner’s confidence in himself.

“I know exactly who I am,’’ said Edwards, suddenly not so Sunny. ”But you, you don’t know who you are. Don’t deny all this stuff I’m saying to you. You’re weird, wear weird clothes, too.’’

The PED allegations soon followed in what might have been an attempt to rattle Rodriguez, who is known for his quiet composure.

Then, there was the closing curtain, except this ritual in boxing theater went on longer than most. Afternoon almost turned into after-dark – lunch into dinner — before Edwards and Rodriguez broke off their ritual face-off for the DAZN-streamed card.

Edwards talked and gestured, talked and gestured some more. Rodriguez mostly glared. For about 15 minutes, they stood, face-to-face, nose-to-nose, eye-to-eye. Hearn stood there, managing to squeeze an open hand between their faces – once, twice and again when there was an opening.

For one long moment, it looked as if it would ever end. But it did. Finally. Next, there’s a weigh-in Saturday. Then, opening bell Saturday. But, it’s safe to say, the hostilities are already underway.

ReplyForwardAdd reaction

EDDIE HEARN
 
I think that this is one of the fights of the year, the big unification match-up between Jesse Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards, the WBO and IBF World titles on the line. It’s so unique to see the best vs. the best, and this is unquestionably the best vs. the best of the division. When we signed Sunny, he said he wanted any champion at any moment, and Jesse has had an incredible run, and it’s unusual two see to young, undefeated guys in their complete prime who are willing to risk it all at this stage. No marinating fights, no stringing fights out, no fighting weaker champions – this is just the best vs. the best.
 
On the undercard, there’s so many well matched and important fights for everyone’s career, it’s a massive night not to be missed, live on DAZN.
 
JESSE RODRIGUEZ
 
This is the biggest fight of my career, no doubt, but I approach it the same way I always do; cool, calm and collected. There’s no need for talking, all my work has been done in the gym and on Saturday night, you’ll see that. 
 
I’ve always been this way, and this is nothing different, it’s just another day and on Saturday night I am ready to shine. Camp is done, training is done, we have the right game plan and come Saturday night, people will see everything we’ve been working on, my hand will be raised in victory, and I am taking his belt, his ‘0’ and it’s time. 
 
I respect him as a person, I said yesterday though that on social media he likes to talk but in person he doesn’t. If I didn’t want this fight, I wouldn’t be here. We wanted it and that’s why we’re here. I am going to do you like Julio Cesar Martinez did to your brother. 
 
We’re ready, he’ll see, just tune in on DAZN. Bam Rodriguez, unified champion on Saturday night.
 
SUNNY EDWARDS
 
The reason why I don’t talk in person is that if I started talking and bullying you the way I could; your trainer didn’t come to Orlando, and he’s not sat here – why? Because he is scared of what I say. Your whole team is on eggshells, no one wants to look at me, you have been walking doing sweat sessions last night; I just want to make sure you don’t have any excuses for your bad hand, bad jaw, that’s why I didn’t bully you. 
 
I know exactly who I am, I just didn’t want to bully a 23 year old kid because you wouldn’t have turned up otherwise. That’s why we’ve been chilling. You don’t know who you are, you don’t even know if you like boxing. You have been a nice, quiet little boy and now you want to say I don’t know who I am? You are the one that’s confused. Of course I shake your hand, you are a fighter. It’s not about talking shit, the reason I laid off you was I know how hard it was to get you and your team to accept this fight. You didn’t want this fight. On Saturday night you are going to be like your brother, retired. You have no heart for this.
 
Everyone says ‘game plan, game plan, game plan’ but it all goes out of the window when you can’t lay a glove on me. Facts. I’m not worried about this kid. 
 
MURODJON AKHMADALIEV
 
I am on the same page as you Eddie, I believe that I won my last fight. Yes, I gave up a few early rounds but from the fifth to the 12th, I won all the rounds, and I believe I was the winner of that fight. But that doesn’t matter right now, I have a tough opponent in front of me, he’s the best out of all the available fighters and I am taking him very seriously and I am here to take back what belongs to me.
 
KEVIN GONZALEZ 
 
It’s a really tough test, a difficult exam, but I am going to pass it with flying colors. My focus is completely on MJ, but obviously, if I win this fight, I could go to face the winner of Inoue vs. Tapales. This is another step in my process, and I am really ready for this fight.  
 
GALAL YAFAI
 
I’m on a big card here with Sunny and Bam, and I know [people are going to look to put me and those guys together in the future. But my eyes are firmly on Rocco on Saturday, to get the win and look good. It’s not enough to win nowadays, if I do, it’s how I perform that’s looked at. So, I need to win, look good and then I can sit back and watch the main event. 
 
If anyone saw me fight in the amateurs, I wasn’t a typical amateur. I was a front foot fighter and putting people down in the Olympic finals – and that’s not normal, especially for a Flyweight. But I am not going to sit here and big myself up too much, I do my talking in the ring, and we’ll see what happens on Saturday.
 
ROCCO SANTOMAURO
 
If you have ever seen me fight, I’m going to bring a good, entertaining fight. I always bring it and I am looking forward to facing an Olympic gold medalist and putting on a great performance, I’ll let my hands do the talking and bring how the W. I’m going to bring my experience, yes, he’s an Olympic gold medalist, but he’s only had five fights, so we’ll see how that plays out against a veteran in the ring.
 
PETER MCGRAIL
 
The likes of Ja’Rico O’Quinn they all watch me but when they get in there, it’s a completely different story. I’ve watched about two minutes of him, I’m always taking it each fight at a time and it’s another step-up. Last time out he was 17-0, this guy is 16-1, those are the types of tests we need, they’re all steppingstones to the World title fight and Ja’Rico is just another guy to step over on Saturday.
 
JA’RICO O’QUINN
 
I’m relaxed, I’m chilling up here in my slides. If I could, I’d put my feet on the table, I’m chilling, comfortable. I’m thankful to you Eddie to be on this platform. They have been loud as hell during this camp, in my DMs on Instagram and everything. He has to back that shit up now, we’re here now. Peter, you’re quiet over there now. He’s going to be running from me all night. I watched him, he’s a good kid, soft-spoken, he’s never been in anything real, and he’ll go into his shell on Saturday night. I always bring the fight, don’t worry about that.
 
CARLOS MUJICA
 
We gave everything in Detroit, as we will do on Saturday. I felt like I won that fight but we’re ready once again to give everything and get the victory.
 
ARTURO POPOCA
 
Thanks to God and to Eddie Hearn for this opportunity, we’re ready to put on a great fight on Saturday.
 
ALBERT GONZALEZ
 
It’s motivating to be able to perform on a card like this, I’m thankful, I’ve been working my ass off and I hope that come Saturday I’ll show that in the ring. The camp with Robert Garcia is no joke, we have the best of the best there in sparring, trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, I’m more than ready and confident not only in myself but in the rest of the team that we’re going to come over here and do what we do best, and that’s get the victory.
 
ALEXIS MOLINA
 
Thank you to Matchroom for the opportunity. We’re going to give everything for this fight, put it all on the line. I have been working hard in training camp and we’re ready to put on a show and take the victory home to Guadalajara.
 
JOE MCGRAIL
 
These are the fights I want to be in, I want to start pushing on now and keep building. I had my pro debut on a Matchroom show, and now I’m making my US debut on a Matchroom show, so thank you Eddie.
 
JUNAID BOSTAN
 
I’d like to thank Eddie Hearn and Tom Dallas for making the fight, and I was surprised they made the fight. In my last few fights, I’ve fought undefeated guys, Area champions, Scottish champion, and now I’m fighting this fool? I can’t believe it. We had a few opponents lined up, we accepted them all, but they fell through for whatever reason. I was asking for this to be made and didn’t think Eddie or Tom would make it, but I am glad it was. This idiot is getting beaten up differently on Saturday night.
 
I’m delighted to be on this card for my American debut, not a lot of people get this sort of opportunity so early in their career. I’m not just saying it because I dislike the guy, but I do honestly believe I stop him. 
 
GORDIE RUSS II
 
I’m ready to bust him up and send him back across the pond. He’s not ready for this in America. Let him fight the bums over there. He’s made a big mistake, I applaud him for strapping up and coming here, but it’s not going to be enough, I will stop you bro, and that’s real talk. He’s already in the books, I have him. He’s going to have to be carried out, on his back or face, this is not a game.

Jesse Rodriguez says he wants to be remembered as a legend of the sport – and that starts by taking Sunny Edwards’ belt and unbeaten record as they clash in a Flyweight unification blockbuster at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.
 
WBO king Rodriguez (18-0 11 KOs) returns to the state where he landed his first World title back in February 2022 when he defeated Carlos Cuadras to land the WBC Super-Flyweight strap. The San Antonio star defended that title twice with wins over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Israel Gonzalez before becoming a two-weight champion on home turf in April by seeing off Christian Hernandez.
 
Edwards (20-0 4 KOs) finally gets the blockbuster showdown that he’s been craving after becoming the IBF champion in April 2021 with a trademark classy win over Moruti Mthalane in London. A pair of successful defenses in Dubai followed in December against Jayson Mama and in March over Muhammad Waseem before victory in defense number three followed in his adopted Sheffield hometown over Felix Alvarado.
 
It’s a first ever unification bout for both men and the victor will be crowned the number one in the division, and is exactly the sort of bout that the 25 year old American feels he can get his teeth into. ‘Bam’ knows that Edwards has the goods to make it an exciting fight but having already seen off a modern-great in Rungvisai, Rodriguez feels that he’s a step too far for the Briton.
 
“This fight is going to be exciting,” said Rodriguez. “The sky is the limit for me; anybody, anywhere. He’s a very good fighter, very technical, very skillful, fast, smart. I knew one day down the line we would meet up and here it is. He hasn’t been in with someone with the skills I have, and with the power on top of that. I don’t care what it takes, I’m going to win, I’m taking his belt, and I’m taking his ‘0’. I’m going to knock him out.
 
“I want to be remembered as a legend, as a fighter that never dodged a fight. I’m here for a good time, not a long time. I feel like I have what it takes to not only drop him but to finish the fight early. 
 
“I decided to get an AirBnB for this fight and separate myself from the camp house. There’s a lot on the line, so I wanted to be as comfortable as possible, so little things like that play a big part in training camp. 
 
“I do this to myself because I want to have a better life. I have a daughter on the way, I want to provide everything she ever needs. I’m a lot more motivated, every day i think about my daughter. I want to provide everything for her, so I am going extra hard, harder than I ever have before. What does it take to be the best? It’s hard work, dedication, sacrifice, heart and a lot of will. 
 
“My jaw feels good. It’s a little numb but the doctor said it would be like that for a while. I’m felt a little crack and then my ear started ringing so I knew something was up. I was able to bear it and finish the fight. I didn’t enjoy the win. I went straight to the hospital and got surgery on the Monday, and then I was on the six-week diet, strictly pudding, smoothies, milkshakes, whatever I could eat without chewing was what I was on, but as long as I’ve got my coffee, I’m good.
 
“A lot of things have changed since becoming World champion. In San Antonio, they treat me like a king. I go into restaurants and get free food and free coffees in the coffee shops. I was living at home before the World title fight, but after winning the title I got my own apartment and started living on my own. Life has been amazing since then. I appreciate what I did that day, but it’s in the past now. I have the biggest fight of my life coming up and I use that feeling as motivation because I know winning this one would be ten times what I felt back then.”
 
Rodriguez and Edwards clash on a stacked night of action in Arizona, with chief support action provided by the the WBA World Super-Bantamweight title eliminator battle between former champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev (11-1 8 KOs) and #2 ranked Mexican Kevin Gonzalez (26-0-1 13 KOs).
 
The main event stars unbeaten British World ruler Edwards, and four more Brits cross the pond to end their 2023 in the US. Galal Yafai (5-0 4 KOs) defends his WBC International Flyweight title against Rocco Santomauro (22-2 6 KOs), Peter McGrail (8-0 5 KOs) fights in the States for the first time in the paid ranks, and fights for his first pro title as he takes on Ja’Rico O’Quinn (16-1-1 8 KOs) for the WBA Continental Super-Bantamweight belt. McGrail’s younger brother Joe McGrail (7-0 3 KOs), who fights for the eighth time in the pros against Brandon Rosales Marquez (6-5-2) over six rounds at Featherweight. The fifth Brit to step through the ropes on the night will be rising star Junaid Boston (7-0 6 KOs), with the Rotherham talent tackling unbeaten Detroit man Gordie Russ II (6-0 6 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Welterweight.
 
Completing the line-up in Arizona are Californian Arturo Popoca (11-0-1 7 KOs) who faces Carlos Mujica (8-3 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Bantamweight and Albert Gonzalez (5-0 2 KOs) who takes on Robenilson Vieira de Jesus (5-1 1 KO) over six rounds at Featherweight.

Sunny Edwards believes he’s unbeatable when he is at his best – and plans to prove that in his unification battle with Jesse Rodriguez at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.
 
Edwards (20-0 4 KOs) finally gets the blockbuster showdown that he’s been craving after becoming the IBF champion in April 2021 with a trademark classy win over Moruti Mthalane in London. A pair of successful defenses in Dubai followed in December against Jayson Mama and in March over Muhammad Waseem before victory in defense number three followed in his adopted Sheffield hometown over Felix Alvarado.
 
It’s a first ever unification bout for both men as WBO king Rodriguez (18-0 11 KOs) returns to the state where he landed his first World title back in February 2022 when he defeated Carlos Cuadras to land the WBC Super-Flyweight strap. The San Antonio star defended that title twice with wins over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Israel Gonzalez before becoming a two-weight champion on home turf in April by seeing off Christian Hernandez.
 
Fight fans and pundits alike have been salivating over the prospect of these two men finally getting their hands on each other, with a raft of previews pouring over their respective traits and finding it hard to separate them. But for the Briton, there’s no doubt in his mind that he adds a second belt to his waist on Saturday night and says it doesn’t matter who is in the ring, if he’s at his best, there’s only ever going to be one winner.
 
“I don’t have to overthink it; I know the best of me is capable of beating anyone at this weight and the weights above,” said Edwards. “After I beat Bam, I feel there’s a lot more still to come. That’s the first step, unified champion of the world, it sounds good. Bam has got quick hands, good feet, heavy hands as well. He’s a great fighter, but he’s not been in with me yet.
 
“I was made for this. I’ve never had anything else; I’ve never done anything else; I’ve never really wanted anything else. I don’t do it for anyone, to make anyone proud. If anything, the compliments and the flattery makes me feel uneasy. Everywhere I’ve gone throughout my life I’ve had people saying nothing but good things about how good I am.
 
“I feel like my last fight was a kind of pre-season for this one. This fight was always spoken and thought about. I’ve stayed in the gym straight out of that fight in June and I’ve applied myself, so I am genuinely raring to go.
 
“I like a build-up, but that’s more for the fans than for me, I like them to be excited for the fight. Maybe I’m more of the spiteful one, the outspoken one, the confident one. Whereas he’s a very good fighter but he seems uneasy in public, he isn’t happy in front of the camera, he’s not confident in front of groups of people. If he wasn’t a boxer, you wouldn’t see much of him at all.”
 
Edwards and Rodriguez clash on a stacked night of action in Arizona, with chief support action provided by the the WBA World Super-Bantamweight title eliminator battle between former champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev (11-1 8 KOs) and #2 ranked Mexican Kevin Gonzalez (26-0-1 13 KOs).
 
The main event stars unbeaten British World ruler Edwards, and four more Brits cross the pond to end their 2023 in the US. Galal Yafai (5-0 4 KOs) defends his WBC International Flyweight title against Rocco Santomauro (22-2 6 KOs), Peter McGrail (8-0 5 KOs) fights in the States for the first time in the paid ranks, and fights for his first pro title as he takes on Ja’Rico O’Quinn (16-1-1 8 KOs) for the WBA Continental Super-Bantamweight belt. McGrail’s younger brother Joe McGrail (7-0 3 KOs), who fights for the eighth time in the pros against Brandon Rosales Marquez (6-5-2) over six rounds at Featherweight. The fifth Brit to step through the ropes on the night will be rising star Junaid Boston (7-0 6 KOs), with the Rotherham talent tackling unbeaten Detroit man Gordie Russ II (6-0 6 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Welterweight.
 
Completing the line-up in Arizona are Californian Arturo Popoca (11-0-1 7 KOs) who faces Carlos Mujica (8-3 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Bantamweight and Albert Gonzalez (5-0 2 KOs) who takes on Robenilson Vieira de Jesus (5-1 1 KO) over six rounds at Featherweight.

By Norm Frauenheim –

GLENDALE, AZ – Nobody has to ask Sunny Edwards for a prediction. It’s there, boldly stitched onto shorts he and his corner wear.

21-0, it says in bright green thread

It’s there, the introduction to his user name.

21-0Sunny, it says at the top of his X (Twitter) account that includes a confident, sometimes confrontational thread.

It’s not a matter of record, not yet anyway. But it’s clear that Edwards (20-0, 4 KOs) promises his record will go to 21-0 after his toughest challenge Saturday night in a flyweight title unification bout against Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (18-0, 11 KOs) at Desert Diamond Arena.

This one is for Lord of the Flies, the modern version, in an arena and a city that has a long tradition for classics in boxing’s lightest weight classes.

Its roots are about 17 miles east of Desert Diamond in Michael Carbajal’s neighborhood in downtown Phoenix. He was an American original, a junior-flyweight who fought his way into the Hall of Fame.

A few blocks from Carbajal’s neighborhood, Rodriguez, perhaps America’s best little guy since Carbajal, won his first major title, the World Boxing Council’s super-fly belt by scoring a unanimous decision over Carlos Cuadras at Footprint Center in February 2022.

Ten months later, Juan Francisco Estrada won that super-fly belt, vacated by Rodriguez, in a masterpiece performance, a majority decision over the accomplished Ramon Gonzalez at Desert Diamond on Dec. 3.

A year and a couple of weeks later at the same arena and within the same sprawling real estate, there’s another opening bell, a sound that promises another classic.

Rodriguez, the World Boxing Organization’s 112-pound champion, is favored by about 2-to-1 odds. That’s no surprise, in part because he’s already well-known within Arizona’s Mexican-American fan base. Rodriguez, a San Antonio fighter, is remembered in Phoenix for his victory over Cuadras. He’ll have a significant hometown edge in the DAZN-streamed bout.

There are questions about whether Edwards, the International Boxing Federation’s champion, can win a decision in front of what figures to be a Mexican-American crowd. He’s won 16 of his 20 bouts by decision.

But the London flyweight’s confidence looks to be unshakeable just days before he faces the powerful Rodriguez, who grew up in the Mexican school of boxing. Class starts and ends with knowing how to take a punch to throw one.

“He’s a great fighter, but he’s not been in the ring with me yet,” Edwards said during a Matchroom Face-Off in Arizona’s central desert not long after both arrived in Phoenix.

Edwards’ intricate footwork and often awkward style could prove problematic for Rodriguez, especially in the early rounds.

Confuse Rodriguez early, beat him later. That’s one theory, anyway.

Edwards’ older brother, Charlie Edwards, is fascinated by the wide stylistic differences. There are many, best defined by their popular names.

Sunny and Bam.

Boxing, football and perhaps life is ruled by a familiar line: Styles make fights. This one could be a puzzle, at least in the early moments. But Charlie Edwards, one of his brother’s prime sparring partners, is confident Sunny will be ready for Bam’s versatile aggressiveness and a hostile crowd.

“I know my brother,’’ Charlie, a former WBC flyweight champion said Wednesday at a hotel next to Desert Diamond.  “He’ll be motivated by that. That’ll bring out the best in him. I’ve seen it in him as professional and when he was an amateur, fighting a rival in a rival neighborhood.

“He likes to silence the crowd. That’s just who he is.

“Can he win a decision?

“Absolutely.’’

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards came face-to-face for the first time at a launch press conference yesterday (September 21) in Orlando ahead of their blockbuster Flyweight unification clash at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday December 16, live worldwide on DAZN.
 

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The unbeaten pair meet in a mouth-watering battle to determine the top dog in the division, with WBO ruler Rodriguez and IBF king Edwards defending their titles for the first and fourth times respectively and both appearing in their first unification bouts. 
 
Rodriguez and Edwards will appear on tomorrow night’s broadcast on DAZN where Richardson Hitchins headlines against Jose Zepeda on a card that features the return of British star Conor Benn. The pair will then head to London to continue the promotional activities around their December battle next week.
 
Here’s what the fighters had to say:
 
Jesse Rodriguez (18-0 11 KOs):
 
“I’ve never been one to say no to a fight, I’ve always said yes. This is the best vs. the best, it’s what every boxer dreams of, unifying titles. December 16 is going to be a movie.
 
“We’re two different people, he shows his confidence running his mouth, I show mine in the ring. I never have my will broken, in my last fight I broke my jaw and kept going for six rounds, that shows the confidence I have in myself, I know that anyone that I get in the ring with, I am going to beat. 
 
“Sunny is a great fighter, every fight of his I’ve seen he’s the one on the back foot, hitting and moving, hit and don’t get hit, but I feel like he hasn’t faced anyone like me, someone with good footwork and the determination to win. 
 
“This is the biggest fight of my career and I’m excited to finally face-off with Sunny. I saw a lot of talk about the fight before it was signed, so I know a lot of people are going to buy their tickets and tune in on December 16. My people from San Antonio are coming and I think it’s going to be like another hometown fight. 
 
“I don’t need to hurt him. I just need to outpoint him. My last fight was a little glimpse of how the fight is going to go. I feel like I will be ready on December 16 and people need to tune in for something special. I’m going to go in and do what I do, it’s got me this far, this is no different. I’ll have the same mindset, a little different game plan that Robert and I are going to work on, so I’ll be ready. That belt right there is coming back to San Antonio.”
 
Sunny Edwards (20-0 4 KOs)
 
“Thank you to you Eddie, to DAZN, Bam and his team, Robert Garcia and Mr Honda; this is the fight that I have been waiting for before it was even Bam. Before he went up in the weights and shocked a great fighter and continued to do all of that, before that I’ve been waiting for the big event, and I think Jesse is one of the best fighters under 30 in the world right now, I don’t think it’s the only time we’ll be sat here and I don’t think it’s the only weight we’ll fight at either, I think we’ll see each other again. 
 
“I’m really looking forward to the event, the whole process so far has been great – thanks for the first-class tickets, Eddie, we flew comfortably – this is what it’s about, sitting here, seeing his WBO title. I was on the WBO route before I was on the IBF route, so I’ve got all the WBO and IBF baubles around my house, so to have the two proper belts is a dream come true.
 
“I crave the challenge. Boxing has probably been too easy for me; I’ve been too much within myself. I am already into camp, I’ve been in Tenerife for a couple of weeks, had great sparring, I’m flying, if anything, the amount of time is a problem, but we have a good run up, we can build the fight up and it gives Bam time to recover from the last fight and the injury, I know what that’s like because I’ve been there myself. So, there was never questions like ‘should we take this fight?’ ‘Is this a good fight for me?’ When I signed with you Eddie, I said all the names I wanted to fight and what price, whenever and wherever, it wasn’t an issue who or where. I wanted the best fight and the easiest one to make, so props to the champion on your right, he’s the first person in my pro career that is a fight that I’ve wanted and got. 
 
“Mind games, trying to get little advantages, get them in certain gloves, the ring size – all of that is so immaterial to me. He’s a great fighter, he’s shown that he’ll fight scarier fighters than me on paper at a weeks’ notice, so am I going to try and get inside his head? I don’t need to. His approach, demeanor and character in the sport is who he is, he’s not trying to be anyone else, he hasn’t taken this fight and started acting different. I don’t think I need an advantage; I think I am good enough, Bam is a tremendous fighter but the reality is to walk through the gates and get to the other side where I show how good I am, that I’ve got to go through a 23 year old fighter, that’s just the way I see it, a 30 year old Bam will be better than a 23 year old one. 
 
“I’ve been in with fighters every bit as good as him, fighters that if he was in with them, it would be a hard fight for him. We’ll find out about each other in the ring. I don’t need to get in his head, I just like speaking about the fight and every day I wake up excited about it. I was talking more about Bam in the Campos fight week than I was caring about Campos. I knew I was going to beat him, I could have beaten him with my eyes closed, so I stood in range and let him throw as many punches as he wanted, and he still couldn’t beat me. Bam will be different, he’s more dangerous and a lot better, but at the same time, it’ll bring a better version of me out and I’m already seeing that in camp.
 
“It’s easy to just say ‘you have to cut the ring off against Sunny’ – everyone can cut the ring off. The thing with me is, I don’t go in with a set plan; I get in there, measure my range, and let them beat themselves. I don’t knock people out, I don’t need to, 16 unanimous decisions. I’ve beaten the best in the world, people that haven’t lost in 13 years, eight years, lots of KOs. I’m not scared of them, I sit in the pocket and trade with them, there’s nothing I haven’t seen in a boxing ring. He has got very good footwork, I’ll give him that, but defensively, reactions, composure, ring IQ – I feel I’ve got a skillset and mindset that is very hard to break down, to even get two rounds of success in a row is a hard enough task for most of my opponents. 
 
“Maybe Bam is that first fighter in my 18 years of boxing that I will get in and feel like ‘he’s really good’, but I don’t think so. His youth with count against him once he gets in there. He talks about it being a home fight, they made sure of that, last year his team were saying they were coming to the UK to take my belt, that didn’t happen, he won the WBO as a vacant title at home. I never said ‘it has to be in the UK’ because I didn’t care. I never stalled on money, the ring size; that to me shows signs of a team that doesn’t have full belief in their system. I felt great disrespect from his stablemate and a legend in Chocolatito that he said that this is an easy fight for him; no-one has ever had an easy fight with me and it’s not going to start now. My message is clear, I beat Bam and there’s only one fight I want and that’s Roman Gonzalez. 
 
“It’s only people that just watch me on fight night that say I don’t have any power. When I get in the ring, I make sure I win, I’m sorry my ego isn’t insecure enough that I’ll be sat there in the third round thinking ‘Eddie is saying I need to knock him out, I better do it’. The only thing that matters to me in my career is my contract, the roof over my kids’ heads and their schooling is winning. I get in there and win. Come down and watch me spar and then talk about who can and can’t punch hard. I don’t get in the ring and try to take people’s heads off. 

“I get in there and give myself 100 per cent chance of the win. I don’t put myself in a position to land a big shot and can catch one back, and that’s going to be his biggest task in the fight. Is he the bigger puncher? Maybe. I think he plants his feet and tries to punch holes in people more, and it is, for some eyes, more exciting and entertaining, easier to market, easier to promote. It doesn’t make him any more likely to win, if anything, I would pick the fighter that gets in the ring in the first round and gets out after the 12th, and barely loses and minute or second of the fight. 
 
“Regardless of how powerful or exciting it is, you look at the champions now, the Devin Haneys, the Shakur Stevensons, they do very little wrong. Are they going out there constantly trying to blow people out, no they are not. They box them and react to what is in front of them, and I think I do that. A 23 year old Bam is going to try to impress, maybe try to hurt me and say ‘no-one else has hurt him, but I can, I am that guy’. I am saying he’s not and no one in these weight classes is. But his ego and his pride will make him force it and that will be the thing that unravels him. If you look at me and think that I’m fragile or easy, you probably haven’t watched all my fights because I can stand there for two minutes and two or three shots get through from like 100 maybe? 
 
“I’ve got a very good defense inside and outside the pocket. I think I am enigma, a Rubik’s cube tied up in a puzzle and a riddle after it. You can’t prepare for what I bring into the ring, you can’t plan for it because no-one sees life like I do, let alone a boxing ring. No-one sees the work I’ve put in, the years of graft. I could sit here and name fighters in your stable weights above me that I have had in my gym, fresh when I’ve six rounds work and I’ve stood them on their head. I’m not going to, but I could, World champions, European champions, British champions, Featherweights, Super-Featherweights – and they couldn’t argue. I’m comfortable in the boxing ring, it’s the only thing I know.
 
“It’s going to be a good fight, a great event, people are going to show out and I am just excited to be a part of it and 100 per cent confident of the win.”

Matchroom tonight announce four events in the USA and Mexico as part of a stacked second half of 2023 live worldwide on DAZN.

Headline amongst those is the confirmation of the date and venue for the hotly-anticipated Flyweight unification clash between Jesse Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards, which lands at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday December 16.

The unbeaten pair meet in a mouth-watering battle to determine the top dog in the division, with WBO ruler Rodriguez and IBF king Edwards defending their titles for the first and fourth times respectively and both appearing in their first unification bouts. 

Rodriguez (18-0 11 KOs) will return to the state that he landed his first World title back in February 2022 when he defeated Carlos Cuadras to land the WBC Super-Flyweight strap. The San Antonio star defended that title twice with wins over Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Israel Gonzalez before becoming a two-weight champion on hometurf in April by seeing off Christian Hernandez, and the 23 year old is excited to be meeting Edwards in the winter.

“I want to thank Matchroom, Teiken and my whole team for making this fight happen,” said Rodriguez. “This fight will allow me to showcase my skills and prove to everyone that I am not only the best Flyweight in the world but one of the best fighters in the world period. 

“I am excited to be back in Arizona where I first became a World champion, and I will be 100 per cent ready to put on a show on December 16 and become unified World champion.”

Edwards (20-0 4 KOs) finally gets the blockbuster showdown that he’s been craving after becoming the IBF champion in April 2021 with a trademark classy win over Moruti Mthalane in London. A pair of successful defenses in Dubai followed in December against Jayson Mama and in March over Muhammad Waseem before victory in defense number three followed in his adaopted Sheffield hometown over Felix Alvarado. 

The 27 year old had a successful debut under the Matchroom banner in June when he saw off spirited Chilean challenger Andres Campos in London, and Edwards is looking forward to proving he is the best in the division on his first fight in America.

“I’m looking forward to being involved in one of the biggest Flyweight World title fights in boxing history,” said Edwards. “It’s the real #1 versus the real #2. I would like to thank Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith, Matchroom Boxing and my team for getting me in this position, and I’d also like to thank Bam and his team for accepting the fight, and I am really looking forward to becoming one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world on December 16 in Arizona.”

One month before that, one of the hottest young fighters in the sport will headline at home for the first time in his blossoming career as Diego Pacheco takes on Marcelo Coceres for the WBO International and USWBC Super-Middleweight titles at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on November 18.

Pacheco (19-0 16 KOs) was at his scintillating best in his last outing in July where he blitzed the dangerous Manuel Gallegos inside four rounds in Monterrey, Mexico – ending matters with a vicious attack after flooring Gallegos in the fourth with a trademark bodyshot and became the first man to stop the Mexican later in the round.

That was a second headline turn for the rangy South LA man having previously pummeled Jack Cullen into submission again in four rounds in Liverpool, England in April, and now the 23 year old earns a shorter trip to top the bill, doing so in the shadow of the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood where he grew up.

“I cannot wait to be headlining at home November 18 at the YouTube Theater,” said Pacheco. “I am looking forward to making a statement and delivering another great performance for all my hometown fans.”

Standing in Pacheco’s way of another impressive showing at Super-Middleweight is former World title challenger Coceres (32-5-1 18 KOs). The Argentine returns to the city of his biggest night, where he met WBO ruler Billy Joe Saunders for the World title in November 2019, and the 32 year old is set to provide Pacheco with the biggest test of his career to date.

“November 18, in his backyard, this is what warriors do,” said Coceres. “I have a lot of respect for Pacheco, he’s a good fighter, but he’s still young and he has time. This is my time now.
I’ve been here before. I’ve been to war. Let’s see how the young boy does when his back is against the wall. 

“I’m bringing everything into this fight. I can’t afford another loss at this point in my career. This is make or break and I’m leaving everything I have in the ring come November 18.”

Back-to-back weekends in September provide plenty of excitement in Tijuana and Orlando.

Angel Fierro continues to hammer on the door for a World title shot, and he’ll look to add more weight to those claims when he defends his WBO NABO Lightweight title against Brayan Zammaripa on Friday September 15 at the Auditorio Municipal Fausto Gutierrez Moreno in Tijuana, Mexico. 

Fierro (21-1-2 17 KOs) is sitting pretty at #4 with the WBO, and the 25 year old gets a hometown outing as he looks to build on his growing reputation for exciting performances.

‘Tashiro’ was at his explosive best in his last outing with multiple knockdowns leading to a seventh round stoppage win over Eduardo Estela in Culiacan – a fifth KO in his last six fights – and a run he’ll be looking to improve upon against Zammaripa (13-1 4 KOs), the Baja California man who has recorded ten wins on the bounce since his sole defeat in 2016.

“I am very happy to return to my home Tijuana,” said Fierro. “But I am even more excited because I am very close to a World Title fight. I’m very focused on giving a great show to my people.”

“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for, for a long time,” said Zammaripa. “I respect Tashiro, but this is my moment. I’m coming to his neighborhood, but this is my territory. Civil War is coming September 15 and I’m leaving with Tashiro’s belt. Viva Mexico.

Erika Cruz (15-2 3 KOs) will return to action on the card following her thrilling battle with Amanda Serrano for the undisputed Featherweight crown in New York in February, and ‘Dinamita’ will look to get back on the path to regaining her World champion status over ten rounds against Melissa Oddessa Parker (6-1 2 KOs)

“I am 100 per cent prepared,” said Cruz. “That night the national guard and I will be celebrating our Independence Day with one more victory for the Dinamita!”

The following weekend, a stacked bill takes Matchroom back to Florida and sees World-rated Super-Lightweight Richardson Hitchins takes on Jose Zepeda for the WBC Silver and IBF North American Super-Lightweight titles at the Caribe Royale in Orlando on Saturday September 23.

Hitchins (16-0 7 KOs) shone in his last outing in his home city, putting New Jersey’s John Bauza on the canvas during a shut-out win at Madison Square Garden, and the Brooklyn ace now lurks with intent at #6 with the WBO and #7 with the IBF in the 140lb rankings. 

Zepeda (36-3 27 KOs) represents a significant barrier to Hitchins’ plans to move into World title contention though, and the Californian, who has challenged for World titles at both 135 and 140lbs, will be eyeing Hitchins’ lofty standings to reignite his own World championship plans.

“I’m excited to finally be back in action and prove I’m the top dog of the 140lb division,” said Hitchins. “I promise to put on a master class performance on Zepada. This was the guy they were calling one of the top guys in the division, so after this performance this will show I’m ready for anyone.

“We tried waiting for Montana Love, but he found his way out of the fight like I expected his bitch ass would, so it’s on to bigger and better!”

“This is it for me, my last opportunity and a big one,” said Zepeda. “I need to win to stay on track and soon fight for another World title, it’s now or never. I want to thank Matchroom very much for this opportunity, my brother Renee and my manager Rick Mirigian for getting this multi-fight deal worked out. I’ll be ready come fight night.”

The Welterweight division will move one step closer to crowning an undisputed champion on the night as Jessica McCaskill and Sandy Ryan meet for three of the belts. 

WBA and WBC champion McCaskill (12-3 5 KOs) is no stranger to undisputed status, having ripped all the hardware at 147 from long-reigning ruler Cecilia Braekhus in August 2020 and then holding onto the belts in a rematch the following March. The Chicagoan defended the belts twice more against Kandi Wyatt and Alma Ibarra before the lure of becoming undisputed champion at a second weight saw her drop down to 140lbs to take on Chantelle Cameron in Abu Dhabi in November, with the Briton coming out on top on that occasion.

WBO belt holder Ryan (6-1 2 KOs) will look to make it back-to-back losses to Brits for McCaskill, as the Derby talent puts the title she won in her last outing against Marie Pier Houle in Cardiff, Wales in April. Ryan, who holds wins over former World champions Anahi Sanchez and Erica Farias, steps straight into the biggest fight in the division in her first defense and can add two belts to take her collection up to three in just her eighth pro fight.

“Glad to finally get back in the ring, it’s been too long,” said McCaskill. “I’m not going to lie it’s been a bit frustrating but now we are finally here. You know what they say, be careful what you wish for. See you soon Sandy.”

“This fight is everything to me the level of it the best vs. the best in the Welterweight division,” said Ryan. “I respect Jessica massively as a fighter and what she has done in the sport but it’s definitely time for a new era and I believe I am that. 

“It’s my biggest fight and it’s going to be in America, a place I’ve wanted to fight in since I turned pro. It’s been a dream of mine so I can’t wait to make my America debut and fight Jessica. AND THE NEW!”

A third fight for the bill in Orlando sees Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams press his claims for World title action at Middleweight as he tackles Steve Rolls.

Williams (14-0 10 KOs) is back in the States having taken out River Wilson-Bent in eight rounds in London in April – his third fight in England – and the Middleweight contender is right on the cusp of landing a World title shot sitting at #2 with the WBA, #10 with the IBF and #11 with the WBC.

Rolls (22-2 12 KOs) will test those ambitions to the fullest though, having shared the ring with Gennadiy Golovkin and Edgar Berlanga in his 24-fight career, and the Canadian will look to get back into contention himself with the WBA International and IBF North American titles on the line. 

“I’ve learned the significance of rest and patience since my April victory,” said Williams. “This period of down time has allowed my mind and body the proper space to process all of the many lessons I’ve received in my previous 6 bouts. Tremendous advancement has occurred in all areas of my life. September 23 will be a display of brilliance, dedication, and laser focus. Don’t miss it!

“I’m looking forward to fighting on September 23,” said Rolls. “I know that Ammo is coming to fight, but I’m going to do whatever is necessary to get my hand raised at the end of the night. He has never fought anyone as a pro with my experience, and I think that experience will play a big role in me winning this fight.”

Information on ticket on-sale dates and further undercard news for these events will be released soon.

These events are added to a stacked offering from Matchroom on DAZN, with more to come including:

Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington, Saturday October 7, Sheffield

Jack Catterall vs. Jorge Linares, Saturday October 21, Manchester

Chantelle Cameron vs. Katie Taylor II, Saturday November 25, Dublin

By Norm Frauenheim –

GLENDALE, Ariz. – It’s a boxing market built on the lightest weight classes.

It started with Michael Carbajal and was enhanced last December by Juan Francisco Estrada’s narrow decision over Ramon “Chocolatito” Gonzalez for the super-flyweight title last December.

Down scale has always been upscale in the Phoenix area and that figures to continue on Dec. 16 when Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards fight in a flyweight unification bout at Desert Diamond Arena in suburban Glendale on Dec. 16.

15 Rounds confirmed reports by International Boxing News and Boxing Scene that DAZN plans to stage the fight at Desert Diamond.

As of Thursday, the bout was still not included in the arena’s listings. Also, the Arizona Boxing & MMA Commission was still not aware that DAZN was planning to stage the bout at Desert Diamond, which will be the site Saturday of an ESPN card featuring Oscar Valdez Jr.-versus-Emanuel Navarrete for a junior-lightweight title.

However, there has been speculation that Edwards-Rodriguez was headed to Arizona ever since they agreed on the deal.

Location, location, location. The Phoenix metro area is the right real estate for Edwards-Rodriguez. Promoter Eddie Hearn saw that in December when a crowd of more than 9,000 showed up at Desert Diamond for Estrada-Chocolatito.

Little guys often get buried on bigger cards in cities like Vegas or Los Angeles. But the Phoenix crowd knew who Estrada and Chocolatito were. It also knew what they were doing throughout 12 close rounds, which ended with Estrada winning a majority decision.

Turns out, many in that crowd were sons and daughters of Carbalal fans, the first American junior-flyweight to be promoted in a major way by Top Rank throughout most of his Hall of Fame run from 1988-through-1999.

The bout will be Rodriguez’ second in the Phoenix area. Rodriguez (18-0 13 KOs), of San Antonio, scored a unanimous decision over Carlos Cuadras in February 2022 at the Footprint Center, the Suns home arena in downtown Phoenix.

Edwards (20-0 4 KOs), of London, will be making his first appearance in the United States. He holds the International Boxing Federation’s 112-pound title. Rodriguez is the World Boxing Organization’s flyweight champion.

Sunny Edwards made the fourth defense of the IBF Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decisions over Andres Campos at the OVO Arena in London.

Edwards, 111.1 lbs of Croydon, ENG won by scores of 117-111 on all cards and is now 20-0. Campos, 111.6 lbs of Santiago, CHL is 15-1.

Johnny Fisher remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over Emilio Salas in a eight-round heavyweight bout.

Fisher sent Salas down with an overhand right. Salas got to his feet as the referee reached the count of 10 at

Fisher,238.4 lbs of Romford, ENG is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Salas, 229.9 lbs of San Sebastian, PR is 7-5-1.

Ellie Scotney won the IBF Super Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Cherneka Johnson.

In round six, Johnson was cut around the right eye.

Scotney, 121.4 lbs of Catford, ENG won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and us now 7-0. Johnson, 120.8 lbs of Melbourne, AUS is 15-2.

Cheavon Clarke stopped David Jamieson in round five of their 10-round cruiserweight fight

In round four, Clarke dropped Jamieson with an uppercut. In round five, Clarke dropped Jamieson again with a hard combination to the head and the fight was stopped at 35 seconds.

Clarke, 199.2 lbs of Gravesend, ENG is 6-0 with five knockouts. Jamieson, 199.1 lbs of East Kilbride, SCO is 10-3.

Nina Hughes retained the WBA Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Katie Healy.

Hughes, 117.3 lbs of Billericay, ENG won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 6-0. Healy, 117.5 lbs of Wolverhampton, ENG is 6-1.

Reece Bellotti won a 10-round unanimous decision over Youssef Khoumari in a super featherweight bout.

Bellotti, 129.4 lbs of Watford, ENG won by scores 97-93, 97-94 and 96-94 and is now 16-5. Khoumari, 129.8 lbs of Wembley, ENG is 15-2-1.

George Liddard remained undefeated with a first round stoppage of Nikolas Dzurnak in a scheduled six-round middleweight fight.

In round one, Liddard dropped Dzurnak with a body punch. A moment later, Liddard put Dzurnak down with a left hook to the head. Liddard ended things as he jumped on Zurnak and a right hand put Dzurnak down for a third and final time at 2:29.

Liddard, 162 lbs of Billericay, ENG is 3-0 with three knockouts. Dzurnak, 160.5 lbs of Vyskov, CZE is 5-4-2.

Shannon Ryan remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Martina Bernile in a super flyweight bout.

Ryan, 115 lbs of Watford, ENG won by an 80-72 score and is now 5-0. Bernile, 114.4 lbs of Milan, ITA is 5-2-1.

Muhammad Ali won a four-round decision over Bryan Castro in a super bantamweight fight.

Ali, 123.8 lb of Leicester, ENG won by a 40-36 contest and is now 2-0. Castro, 123.3 lbs of Managua, NIC is 2-6-1.

4 x 3 mins International Super-Bantamweight contest
MUHAMMAD ALI 123.8 lbs v BRYAN CASTRO 123.3 lbs
(Leicester, England)               (Managua, Nicaragua)

followed by

8 x 2 mins International Super-Flyweight contest
SHANNON RYAN 115 lbs v MARTINA BERNILE 114.4 lbs
(Watford, England)              (Milan, Italy)

followed by

6 x 3 mins International Middleweight contest
GEORGE LIDDARD 162 lbsv NIKOLAS DZURNAK 160.5 lbs
(Billericay, England)                (Vyskov, Czech Republic)

followed by

10 x 3 mins British Super-Featherweight Title Eliminator
YOUSSEF KHOUMARI 129.8 lbsv REECE BELLOTTI 129.4 lbs
(Wembley, England)                         (Watford, England)

followed by

19:00 LIVE ON DAZN

10 x 2 mins WBA Bantamweight World Title
NINA HUGHES 117.3 lbs v KATIE HEALY 117.5 lbs
(Billericay, England)           (Wolverhampton, England)

followed by

10 x 3 mins British Cruiserweight Title Eliminator
CHEAVON CLARKE 199.2 lbsv DAVID JAMIESON 199.1 lbs
(Gravesend, England)                (East Kilbride, Scotland)

followed by

10 x 2 mins IBF Super-Bantamweight World Title
CHERNEKA JOHNSON 120.8 lbs v ELLIE SCOTNEY 121.4 lbs
(Melbourne, Australia)                     (Catford, England)     

followed by

8 x 3 mins International Heavyweight contest
JOHNNY FISHER 238.4 lbsv EMILIO SALAS 229.9 lbs
(Romford, England)                (San Sebastian, Puerto Rico)  

followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF Flyweight World Title
SUNNY EDWARDS 111.1 lbs v ANDRES CAMPOS 111.6 lbs
(Croydon, England)                  (Santiago, Chile)  

Undefeated Chilean Flyweight Andres Campos wants to create history by becoming his country’s first World Champion when he locks horns with reigning IBF ruler Sunny Edwards at the OVO Arena Wembley this Saturday June 10, live worldwide on DAZN.

Campos’ clash with Edwards tops a blockbuster triple-header of World Title action in the capital, with Nina Hughes (5-0, 2 KOs) defending her WBA Bantamweight crown against Katie Healy (6-0) and Cherneka Johnson (15-1, 6 KOs) defending her IBF Super-Bantamweight strap against Ellie Scotney (6-0).

Edwards (19-0, 4 KOs) is set to make his eagerly anticipated Matchroom debut this weekend having penned a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn in March, but Campos (15-0, 4 KOs) – who has been calling Edwards out for over a year – plans on spoiling the party after finally landing his dream World Title shot.

“Sunny Edwards has never fought against anyone like me,” said Campos. “I am by far the best opponent that he will have faced. I have lots of experience fighting against and defeating undefeated guys from both the amateurs and pros. I am starving for success. I am so hungry to win this World Title and make history for Chile.

“Sunny Edwards is good, but he is not good enough to beat me. I know that I am better than him and I will show you all on Saturday night. I have three scenarios: scenario A, B and C. We have trained so hard for each one. Sunny won’t be able to run away from me like a dancer. He is just dancing and running all the time. I will send him to sleep before the twelfth round.”

Unbeaten Sheffield-based slickster Edwards makes his fourth defence of the IBF strap he landed in April 2021 against Moruti Mthalane in London, and ‘Showtime’ is gunning for unification clashes in the second half of the year and having seen off challenges from Felix Alvarado, Muhammad Waseem and Jayson Mama.

26-year-old Campos is hungry to create his own legacy, fuelled by the burning to desire to become his country’s first ever World Champion. Edwards is renowned for having one of the sharpest tongues in boxing, but Campos says he won’t be engaging in any back and forth with his opponent during a busy fight week.

“I never trash talk,“ said Campos. “I always do my talking in the ring and let my fists take care of business. Sunny is famous for his trash talking, not for his boxing. Chile doesn’t have any World Champions and I will make history for my country and my continent of South America. I will be the first one. The IBF World Title is very special to me.

“Fighting in the UK for the first time as a professional doesn’t faze me at all. As a pro I have fought in Australia and in Argentina. It is not such a big change for me. Remember, I have done almost all of my 95 fights outside of my country. I have represented Chile all over the world. I don’t feel the pressure. To fight here in the UK is nothing big for me.”

Campos, who is managed by Australian Tony Tolj and trained by Hernan Gauto from Argentina and Nicolas Orellana from Chile, is ranked at seven in the IBF rankings and has held the WBO Latino Flyweight strap since March 2020. ‘The Pride of Barnechea’ says he also has the backing of UK fans who want to see Edwards defeated for the first time.

“Since I arrived in the UK last week, everyone that I have met in the gyms, malls and streets – everyone has told me that I have to beat that trash talker Sunny Edwards. Everyone that talks to me about Sunny Edwards wants me to beat him. They all want me to become the first man to beat him.

“It’s crazy – nobody cares about Sunny Edwards here in England. I have the support of Chilean fans and all of the English fans who I have met. Everyone on my social media is telling me that I have to beat this clown.”

Edwards vs. Campos tops a huge night of World Title action in Wembley, Cruiserweight Cheavon Clarke (5-0, 4 KOs) looks to close in on a British Title tilt as he faces David Jamieson (10-2, 7 KOs) in a Final Eliminator for the famous Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt, Youssef Khoumari (15-1-1, 6 KOs) and Reece Bellotti (15-5, 13 KOs) meet in an eliminator for British Super-Featherweight Title, The ‘Romford Bull’ Johnny Fisher (8-0, 7 KOs) will bring his Bull Army to Wembley for the third time as the 24-year-old Heavyweight fights for the ninth time in the pros against Emilio Salas (7-4-1, 3 KOs), Anthony Joshua-managed Shannon Ryan (4-0) returns to the venue of her March 2022 debut to continue her pro journey, and rising starlets George Liddard (2-0, 2 KOs) and Muhammad Ali (1-0) feature on Before the Bell. 

Limited remaining tickets are available to purchase from Stage Front. 

Matchroom Boxing has further strengthened its growing stable with three new signings: Sheffield’s undefeated IBF Flyweight World Champion Sunny Edwards, Chorley’s Super-Lightweight World Title challenger Jack Catterall and Watford Super-Flyweight prospect Shannon Ryan.

Edwards (19-0, 4 KOs) is determined to unify the Flyweight division before moving on to achieve his goal of becoming a multi-weight World Champion, and the gifted 27-year-old now finds himself in the perfect place for a unification clash with Mexico’s big punching WBC 112lbs ruler Julio Cesar Martinez – a former opponent of his brother Charlie.

Catterall (26-1, 13 KOs) is determined to make up for lost time and challenge for gold at 140lbs once again following his hugely controversial loss to former undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion Josh Taylor back in February 2022. ‘El Gato’ is itching to get back in the ring to work his way towards World Titles in the competitive 140lbs division. 

Ryan (4-0) is managed by two-time unified Heavyweight World Champion Anthony’s Joshua’s 258, and the former O2 employee has made a perfect start to life in the paid ranks since making her professional debut at Wembley Arena last March, winning all four of her contests in impressive fashion as she looks to become the latest face of women’s boxing. 

“I’m extremely excited at this stage of my career to be partnering up with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing,” said Edwards. “Eddie has always been one of the most influential men on the boxing circuit since I’ve been involved in the sport and the conversations were simple, we both want to deliver the biggest fights possible every time.

“I’m hoping to be out June/July time. I’d originally hoped I’d have been out a little bit earlier in this year, but a rest after a few busy years boxing has done me good. I’m not content defending World Titles, I need more.

“First I want to unify whilst collecting the Ring Magazine Title. It has always been a big dream of mine to hold arguably the biggest prize in boxing today. It seems as if Martinez is the man for that, but at this point it’s whoever comes first. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead whatever they may be, bring me the fighter they tell me I can’t beat – and repeat.”

 “I’m excited for the next phase of my career,” said Catterall. “Teaming up with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and DAZN is a massive step in the right direction for me. There are going to be some huge nights in the future and I’m excited to get the ball rolling and to be involved in some career-defining fights over the next couple of years. I have been working tremendously hard in the gym and I will be ready for any opportunity that presents itself. I’m grateful to be in this position and I’m looking forward to kicking off a successful relationship with Matchroom and DAZN.”

“I’m very excited to start this next chapter of my career under the Matchroom Boxing promotional banner,” said Ryan. “I look forward to being able to showcase my skills on the big stage and to millions of people around the world on DAZN. Being in those big fights and collecting those World Titles is why I am in this sport and with the backing of my team, 258 Management, O2 and Matchroom Boxing I’m confident that I can fulfil my potential.”

“I’m delighted to further strengthen Matchroom’s growing global of unrivalled talent with three exciting new additions ahead of a huge night of boxing tomorrow at The O2,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “IBF Flyweight World Champion Sunny Edwards is one of the most naturally gifted boxers we have produced in the UK and I’m incredibly excited to finally get the opportunity to work with him and give him the opportunities to unify the Flyweight division. Sunny can certainly talk the talk and he can definitely walk the walk and a fight against WBC ruler Julio Cesar Martinez or Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez is a must for 2023.

“Jack Catterall is another signing that we are massively excited about, and he should arguably be the reigning undisputed Super-Lightweight World Champion following his brilliant performance against  Josh Taylor in February 2022. Jack is itching to get back into the ring following a layoff that was out of his control and there are some big fights to make for him in the competitive 140lbs division. 

“Women’s boxing is truly thriving at the moment with some monster fights on the horizon including our historic Katie Taylor vs. Chantelle Cameron homecoming event in Dublin on May 20, and another fighter that has a bright future to look forward to is Watford Super-Flyweight talent Shannon Ryan. We have the best roster of female talent in world boxing and Shannon is now in the perfect place to develop and grow into the latest star.”

You can follow Edwards’ journey on Instagram: sunnyedwards and Twitter: @SunnyEdwards

You can follow Catterall’s journey on Instagram: jackcatt1 and Twitter: @jack_catt93

You can follow Ryan’s journey on Instagram: shannonryan_ 

Sunny Edwards defended his IBF Flyweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Felix Alvarado in Sheffield, England.

Edwards, 111.4 lbs of Croydon, ENG won by scores of 116-112 and 115-113 twice and is now 19-0. Alvarado, 111.2 lbs of Managua, NIC is 38-3.

Shabaz Masoud stopped Jack Bateson in the final round of their 12-rond super bantamweight bout.

In round 12, Masoud dropped Bateson with a short left. With Bateson hurt, Masoud landed a big flurry of about 20 unanswered punches in the corner, and the bout was stopped at

Masoud, 121.7 lbs of Sloan, ENG is 11-0 with four knockouts. Bateson, 120.7 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 17-1.

Olympic Gold Medal winner Herbert Conceicao won a six-round decision over Gideon Onyenani in a middleweight contest.

Conceicao, 163.1 lbs of Brazil won by a 60-54 score and is now 3-0. Onyenani, 162.6 lbs of Kent. ENG is 4-2.

Marcel Braithwaite won a 12-round split decision over Thomas Essomba in a super flyweight bout.

Braithwaite, 115.6 lbs is now 14-3. Essombam 114.5 lbs is 11-8-1.

Alin Florin Cioceri won an eight-round decision over Levi Kinsionia in a lightweight bout.

Cioceri, 136.5 lbs of Romania won by a 77-76 score and is now 17-3-1. Kinsionia, 136.7 lbs of Sheffield, ENG is 9-3.

Ishmael Davis stopped Dustin Annmann in round five of their eight-round super welterweight bout.

Davis landed a huge flurry on the ropes in round five. That onslaught took Ammann to the corner until the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Davis, 159.6 of Leeds, ENG is 10-0 with four knockouts. Ammann, 157.7 lbs of Germany is 7-8.

Nicolie Campbell won a six-round decision over Frane Radnic in a super middleweight bout.

Campbell, 169.2 lbs of England won by a 60-54 score and is now 10-1. Radnic, 169.1 lbs of Croatia is 11-35.

SHEFFIELD, NOVEMBER 10 – Sunny Edwards was honoured with an IBF ring on the eve of the most dangerous fight of his career. 

The 26-year-old puts his IBF world belt on the line at Probellum Sheffield on Friday night when he faces the hard punching Felix Alvarado. 

And Edwards, who first won the title in April of last year, was presented with the special ring to acknowledge his reign as the 112lbs champion of the world. 

Edwards said: “I have been waiting for this ring, and I was meant to fly out to the IBF convention to receive it.  But to be presented with it here, in Sheffield, means more, it is more personal. 

“There is only one night left now, and that’s fight night.  I am really looking forward to it and I really hope the Utilita Arena stands up and makes some noise tomorrow.” 

Probellum Sheffield also features the brilliant British super bantamweight title final eliminator between Jack Bateson and Shabaz Masoud, the UK debut of Olympic champ Hebert Conceição and the latest fight for women’s boxing trailblazer Lisa Whiteside.
 
Tickets for Probellum Sheffield are still available at Ticketmaster.

You can also watch the full card, live and for free at Probellum.com with the opening bout scheduled for 5:30pm local time.
 
WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
(Fight times are subject to change)
 

5:30pm local time 

6 Rounds Super Middleweight Contest  

Nicolie Campbell (9-1) 169lbs 2oz 

Frane Radnic (11-34) 169lbs 1oz 

6pm 

8 Rounds Super Welterweight Contest  

Ishmael Davis (9-0) 156lbs 7oz 

Dustin Ammann (7-7) 157lbs 8oz 

6:40pm 

6 Rounds Lightweight Contest 

Levi Kinsiona (9-2) 136lbs 8oz 

Alin Florin Ciorceri (16-3-1) 136 lbs 6oz 

7:10pm 

British Super Flyweight title final eliminator 

Thomas Essomba (11-7-1) 114lbs 6oz 

Marcel Braithwaite (13-3) 115lbs 7oz 

Braithwaite missed weight  

8:10pm 

6 Rounds Middleweight Contest  

Hebert Conceição (2-0) 163lbs 1oz 

Gideon Onyenani (4-1) 162lbs 7oz 

8:40pm 

WBA Intercontinental Super Bantamweight title & British Super Bantamweight title final eliminator 

Jack Bateson (17-0) 120lbs 8oz 

Shabaz Masoud (10-0) 121lbs 8oz 

9:40pm 

IBF WORLD FLYWEIGHT TITLE 

Sunny Edwards (18-0) 111lbs 5oz 

Felix Alvarado (38-2) 111lbs 2oz 

10:40pm 

8 Rounds Super Bantamweight Contest  

Lisa Whiteside (4-0) 120lbs 9oz 

Eva Cantos (4-8-1) 122lbs 6oz 

11:10pm 

4 Rounds Light Heavyweight Contest  

Bradley Cousins (3-1) 175lbs 5oz 

Genadij Krajevskij (0-41) 175lbs 5oz 

Float 

4 Rounds Light Heavyweight Contest  

Khalid Ayub (3-0) 176lbs 2oz 

Danail Stoyanov (3-13) 174lbs 2oz 

Key Probellum Sheffield images and artwork can be found HERE
(Please credit Probellum if used)