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Sunny Edwards (born 1 January 1996[1]) is a British former professional boxer who held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title from 2021 to 2023. He is the younger brother of former flyweight world champion and current European bantamweight title holder, Charlie Edwards.[2] Edwards retired from boxing on 30 November 2024.

Key Information

Amateur career

[edit]

As an amateur he fought out of Repton ABC and later Steel City ABC, winning multiple national championships; the ABA Juniors in 2013;[3] ABA Youth in 2014;[4] and the ABA Elite in 2015.[5] He also won silver medals in the GB Junior, and ABA Elite Championships[6] in 2012 and 2016 respectively.[7]

Professional career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Edwards made his professional debut on 24 September 2016 at the Recinto Ferial in Estepona, Spain, scoring a four-round points decision (PTS) victory over Sergey Tasimov.[8]

After winning his first five fights, one by stoppage, he faced undefeated prospect Ross Murray (6–0, 1 KO) on 27 November 2017 at Grange St. Paul's Hotel in London, with the vacant WBO European super-flyweight title on the line. Edwards won the fight via fourth-round technical knockout (TKO).[9] Following two more wins, he successfully defended his WBO European title on 26 October 2018 with a ten round unanimous decision (UD) victory over Ryan Farrag at the York Hall, London. Two judges scored the bout 100–90 while the third scored it 99–91.[10][11]

His next fight came on 15 December against Junior Granados at the Brentwood Centre, Essex, for the vacant WBO International super-flyweight title. Edwards overcame a second-round knockdown to add the WBO International to his WBO European title by UD, with the judges' scorecards reading 99–91, 98–91, 97–92.[12][13] Following the win over Granados, he made a second defence of his WBO European title against Pedro Matos on 27 April 2019, at Wembley Arena, London. Edwards retained his title via eighth-round TKO.[14] His next fight came on 13 July against Hiram Gallardo at The O2 Arena, London, with the vacant IBF International super-flyweight title in the line. Edwards won by UD, adding the IBF International to his WBO titles. All three judges scored the bout 99–90.[15]

Edwards dropped down to flyweight for his next fight, stating, "We dropped down to flyweight because it's looking like I'm more likely to get a world title shot, but it is what it is".[16] On 14 September 2019, he fought Rosendo Guarneros at the York Hall for the vacant IBF International and vacant WBO Inter-Continental flyweight titles. Edwards won by UD, with two judges scoring the bout 99–91 and the third scoring it 100–90.[17]

Edwards fought Marcel Braithwaite on 21 December 2019, for the vacant British super-flyweight title.[18] He won the fight by UD with scores of 117–110, 118–109 and 118–109. Edwards suffered the only knockdown of the fight, as he was knocked down by Braithwaite in the seventh round.[19] Edwards revealed significant swelling on the knuckles of his hands post-fight,[20] which were the result of damaged ligaments.[21] Edwards defended his IBF International on 29 August 2020, defeating Thomas Essomba via UD with scores of 117–112, 117–111, and 116–112.[22]

IBF flyweight champion

[edit]

Edwards vs. Mthalane

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Edwards challenged reigning champion Moruti Mthalane for the IBF flyweight title on 30 April 2021. Mthalane came into the fight on a sixteen-fight winning streak, with 13 of those fights being world title bouts. Mthalane's last loss came at the hands of Nonito Donaire on 1 November 2008.[23] Edwards was a slight betting underdog heading into the fight.[24] Edwards won the fight by UD, with two of the judges giving him wide scorecards of 118–111 and 120–108, while the third judge scored it 115–113 for him.[25]

Edwards vs. Mama

[edit]

On 24 May 2021, Edwards was ordered to face the IBF mandatory challenger Jayson Mama. Mama was originally set to face Mthalane, before accepting step-aside money to allow Edwards to fight him.[26] The bout was officially scheduled for 11 September 2021 at the Copper Box Arena in Hackney Wick, London.[27] On September 8, Edwards withdrew from the fight with an ankle injury. Accordingly, the title bout was postponed.[28] The fight was rescheduled for 11 December 2021 and took place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.[29] After John Riel Casimero withdrew from his mandatory title defense against Paul Butler, Edwards' bout with Mama was elevated to main event status.[30] Edwards won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 118-109, 118-109 and 117-110. He scored the sole knockdown of the fight in the tenth round, dropping Mama with a left-right combination.[31]

Edwards vs. Waseem

[edit]

On 25 January 2022, Edwards' promoters MTK Global announced that he would make the second defense of his title against the one-time IBF title challenger Muhammad Waseem, who was at the time the #3 ranked IBF flyweight contender. The fight was booked for 23 March 2022, and took place at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.[32] Two weeks later, on 9 February, Edwards signed a promotional deal with Probellum.[33] Edwards won the fight by unanimous decision. Two of the judges scored the bout 115–111 in his favour, while the third judge awarded him a 116–110 scorecard. Waseem was deducted a point in both the sixth round for holding and a point in the seventh round for headbutting. Edwards called for a title unification bout with Julio Cesar Martinez in his post-fight interview, stating: "I want The Ring Magazine [title], I want the WBC [title]".[34]

Edwards vs. Alvarado

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On 12 July 2022, it was revealed that Edwards had entered into negotiations for a title unification bout with the WBC flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez.[35] The IBF gave Edwards until 7 September to deliver signed contracts as proof of the unification bout taking place. As this failed to happen, on 8 September, the IBF ordered Edwards to make a mandatory title defense against their former light flyweight champion Felix Alvarado.[36] The title bout was booked to take place on 11 November, in London, England.[37] Edwards won the fight by unanimous decision. Two judges scored the bout 115–113 in his favor, while the third judge awarded him a 116–112 scorecard.[38]

Edwards vs. Campos

[edit]

On 31 March 2023, it was announced that Edwards had signed a promotional deal with the DAZN backed Matchroom Boxing.[39] It was revealed a few weeks later that Edwards would make his fourth title defense against the #7 ranked IBF flyweight contender Andrés Campos on 10 June 2023, at the OVO Arena Wembley in London, England.[40] He retained the title by unanimous decision, with all three judges awarding him a 117–111 scorecard, and called for a title unification bout with either Jesse Rodriguez or Julio Cesar Martinez next.[41]

Edwards vs. Rodriguez

[edit]

Edwards lost his IBF title to WBO flyweight champion Jesse Rodriguez in a title unification bout on 16 December 2023 at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, United States by 9th round retirement. Afterwards, Edwards revealed he had suffered a fractured orbital bone earlier in the fight, causing him to see double.[42]

Edwards vs. Curiel

[edit]

Edwards was scheduled to face Adrian Curiel in a 12-round super flyweight bout at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona on 29 June 29 2024.[43] Edwards won the fight via technical decision with the scores 90-82, 88-84 and 87-85.[44] The fight was stopped after eight rounds due to cut Edwards sustained due to an accidental head clash.[45]

Edwards vs. Yafai

[edit]

Edwards faced Galal Yafai for the interim WBC flyweight title in Birmingham, England on 30 November 2024.[46] Edwards lost the fight by TKO in the 6th round.[47] After the fight, he announced his retirement from professional boxing.[48][49]

Professional boxing record

[edit]
23 fights 21 wins 2 losses
By knockout 4 2
By decision 17 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
23 Loss 21–2 Galal Yafai TKO 6 (12), 1:10 30 Nov 2024 Bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham, England For interim WBC flyweight title
22 Win 21–1 Adrian Curiel TD 8 (12) 29 Jun 2024 Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona, US
21 Loss 20–1 Jesse Rodriguez RTD 9 (12), 3:00 16 Dec 2023 Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, Arizona, US Lost IBF flyweight title;
For WBO flyweight title
20 Win 20–0 Andrés Campos UD 12 10 Jun 2023 Wembley Arena, London, England Retained IBF flyweight title
19 Win 19–0 Felix Alvarado UD 12 11 Nov 2022 Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, England Retained IBF flyweight title
18 Win 18–0 Muhammad Waseem UD 12 19 Mar 2022 Aviation Club Tennis Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Retained IBF flyweight title
17 Win 17–0 Jayson Mama UD 12 11 Dec 2021 Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Retained IBF flyweight title
16 Win 16–0 Moruti Mthalane UD 12 30 Apr 2021 York Hall, London, England Won IBF flyweight title
15 Win 15–0 Thomas Essomba UD 12 29 Aug 2020 BT Sport Studio, London, England Retained IBF International super-flyweight title
14 Win 14–0 Marcel Braithwaite UD 12 21 Dec 2019 Copper Box Arena, London, England Won vacant British super-flyweight title
13 Win 13–0 Rosendo Hugo Guarneros UD 10 14 Sep 2019 York Hall, London, England Won vacant IBF International, and WBO Inter-Continental flyweight titles
12 Win 12–0 Hiram Gallardo UD 10 13 Jul 2019 The O2 Arena, London, England Won vacant IBF International super-flyweight title
11 Win 11–0 Pedro Matos TKO 8 (10), 0:23 27 Apr 2019 Wembley Arena, London, England Retained WBO European super-flyweight title
10 Win 10–0 Junior Granados UD 10 15 Dec 2018 Brentwood Centre, Brentwood, England Won vacant WBO International super-flyweight title
9 Win 9–0 Ryan Farrag UD 10 26 Oct 2018 York Hall, London, England Retained WBO European super-flyweight title
8 Win 8–0 Cristian Narvaez PTS 6 30 Jun 2018 The SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland
7 Win 7–0 Patrik Bartos TKO 2 (6), 2:18 3 Mar 2018 Brentwood Centre, Brentwood, England
6 Win 6–0 Ross Murray TKO 4 (10), 2:59 27 Nov 2017 Grange St. Paul's Hotel, London, England Won vacant WBO European super-flyweight title
5 Win 5–0 Jose Aguilar PTS 4 22 Jul 2017 Brentwood Centre, Brentwood, England
4 Win 4–0 Gyula Dodu TKO 1 (4), 0:58 20 May 2017 Copper Box Arena, London, England
3 Win 3–0 Craig Derbyshire PTS 4 9 Dec 2016 Tolworth Recreation Centre, London, England
2 Win 2–0 Brett Fidoe PTS 4 13 Oct 2016 Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow, Scotland
1 Win 1–0 Sergey Tasimov PTS 4 24 Sep 2016 Recinto Ferial, Estepona, Spain

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sunny Edwards.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sunny Edwards

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sunny James Edwards (born 1 January 1996) is a British former professional boxer who competed in the flyweight division. Known by the ring name "Showtime," he held the (IBF) flyweight title from April 2021 to December 2023, capturing it via over and successfully defending it four times against Jayson Mama, , , and Andres Campos. Edwards amassed a professional record of 21 wins and 2 losses, with 4 knockouts, before announcing his retirement on 30 November 2024 at age 28, following a sixth-round technical knockout loss to in a bout for the WBC interim flyweight title. Born in , , Edwards grew up in a family deeply involved in , with his older brother Charlie Edwards serving as a former WBC flyweight champion. He began his amateur career in the sport, compiling a strong record that included victories in national competitions, before turning professional on 24 September 2016 at the age of 20 with a four-round unanimous decision victory over Sergey Tasimov. Edwards quickly rose through the ranks, remaining undefeated in his first 20 bouts and earning recognition for his technical skill, elusive style, and southpaw-like movement despite being orthodox. Edwards' championship reign solidified his status as one of Britain's top flyweights, though it ended abruptly in a unification bout against Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez on 16 December 2023, where he was stopped in the ninth round, marking his first professional defeat. He rebounded with a unanimous decision victory over Adrian Curiel in June 2024 but struggled in his final fight against Yafai, later citing a lack of "fire in the belly" and diminished energy for the sport as key reasons for his retirement. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches with a 60-inch reach, Edwards was praised for his defensive prowess and ring intelligence throughout his career.

Early years

Early life

Sunny Edwards was born on 1 January 1996 in , . He grew up in nearby alongside his older brother, Charlie Edwards, who would later become a world champion boxer in the flyweight division. Their family was deeply immersed in the sport, with their father, known as "Mad Larry," serving as a dedicated coach who sold his tyre shop to fully support his sons' pursuits in the ring. Their mother, Terry, battled , undergoing multiple serious surgeries and treatments that profoundly shaped Edwards' resilience during his formative years. From a young age, Edwards developed a strong interest in , influenced heavily by his family's involvement and his with Charlie, whom he often sparred against. He began his initial training at the Repton Boxing Club in , , where his father's guidance played a central role in honing his early skills. This environment fostered a sense of competition and determination, with Edwards viewing the sport as a vital outlet amid personal challenges, motivating him to pursue it seriously as a pathway to personal growth and family legacy.

Amateur career

Sunny Edwards began his competitive amateur boxing journey representing in international events around 2013, competing in tournaments such as the GB Three Nations Championships where he demonstrated early technical prowess against top youth talents from , , and . His amateur career was marked by consistent success in national competitions, starting with a at the 2012 English Junior & Youth National Championships in the 46kg division, where he defeated by abandonment in the first round. Edwards continued his rise by securing a at the 2013 GB Junior Championships, showcasing his defensive skills and footwork in bouts against seasoned juniors. In 2014, he claimed gold at the ABA Youth Championships in the flyweight category, reaching the final against Andrew Cain in a closely contested match that highlighted his speed and ring intelligence. The following year, Edwards elevated his profile further by winning the 2015 ABA Elite Championships at 49kg, notably defeating future Olympian en route to the title, which solidified his status as one of England's premier flyweight prospects. On the international stage, Edwards represented at the 2015 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in St. Petersburg, , gaining valuable experience against global competition despite not medaling. Throughout his amateur tenure, he fought out of Repton ABC in , , under dedicated coaches who emphasized his natural defensive style, amassing a strong unbeaten streak in youth and elite divisions that built his reputation for elusive, high-volume boxing. By 2016, with a robust foundation of over 50 bouts and multiple national titles, Edwards opted to turn , seeking to translate his amateur success into the paid ranks.

Professional career

Early professional career

Sunny Edwards made his professional boxing debut on September 24, 2016, defeating Sergey Tasimov by points over four rounds in , . This victory marked the start of his paid career, transitioning from a successful background where he had represented and competed internationally. Edwards quickly built momentum with a series of wins against domestic opponents, showcasing his technical footwork and defensive skills honed in the unpaid ranks. Notable early successes included a unanimous points decision over Brett Fidoe in October 2016 and a fourth-round points win against Craig Derbyshire in December of the same year, both in venues. In 2017, Edwards continued his undefeated run with stoppage victories that highlighted his growing power at flyweight. He secured a first-round technical knockout against Gyula Dodu in May at the in and followed with a fourth-round TKO over previously unbeaten prospect Ross Murray in November at Grange St. Paul's Hotel. These performances attracted attention from promoters, leading Edwards to sign a long-term deal with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions after his early professional successes. To refine his craft further, he relocated his training base to , linking up with coach Grant Smith at the gym, where he could spar with high-level talent including his brother Charlie Edwards. By 2018, Edwards had amassed eight professional wins, all by decision or stoppage, and began competing over longer distances to build stamina. He stopped Patrik Bartos with a second-round TKO in March and won a unanimous decision over Cristian Narvaez in , before capturing the vacant WBO European super flyweight title with a unanimous decision over Ryan Farrag in October at the . He closed the year by winning the vacant WBO International super flyweight strap via unanimous decision against Junior Granados in December. These regional triumphs underscored his progression without yet challenging for world honors, emphasizing technical refinement over power punching. Edwards maintained his unblemished record through 2019 with three victories, defending the WBO European title via eighth-round TKO against Pedro Matos in at , followed by a over Hugo Rosendo Guarneros in September. His year culminated in a win over Marcel Braithwaite in December at the to claim the vacant British super flyweight title, bringing his record to 13-0. Entering 2020 amid the disruptions, he defended the IBF International flyweight title—acquired earlier—with a over Thomas Essomba in August at the BT Sport Studio in , extending his streak to 14-0 and positioning him as a top contender in the division. Throughout this period, Edwards focused on eight-round and ten-round bouts to accumulate experience, prioritizing defensive mastery and ring generalship over knockouts, with only four stoppages in his first 14 fights.

Rise to the IBF title

Following the Essomba bout, Edwards' undefeated streak and regional title solidified his position in the IBF rankings, leading to his selection as the challenger for the flyweight crown despite not being the official mandatory at the time. The IBF sanctioned the matchup after the incumbent mandatory, Jayson Mama, agreed to step aside for financial compensation, allowing Edwards to face champion . By early 2021, Edwards had climbed to a top-three ranking, positioning him for his first world title opportunity at age 25. Preparation for the title fight was marked by intense training in under his brother Charlie Edwards, a former European champion, with Sunny emphasizing footwork and jab control to counter Mthalane's pressure style. Hype built around the bout as Edwards entered as a +200 against the 39-year-old South African, who was on a 16-fight winning streak and had held the IBF title since 2018. Edwards vowed to emulate his brother's success, predicting a dominant display to claim the belt on April 30, 2021, at in , . In the 12-round , Edwards outboxed Mthalane with superior movement and precision jabbing, winning a by scores of 115-113, 118-111, and 120-108 to capture the IBF flyweight championship. The marked Edwards' first world and snapped Mthalane's long , establishing the 25-year-old Briton as a major force in the flyweight division.

IBF flyweight championship reign

Sunny Edwards captured the vacant IBF flyweight title on April 30, 2021, by defeating three-division champion via over 12 rounds in . His reign, which lasted from 2021 until late 2023, featured four successful defenses characterized by his technical mastery and evasive movement. Throughout this period, Edwards established himself as the top-ranked flyweight contender by major sanctioning bodies, leveraging a high-volume jab and ring generalship to outbox aggressive challengers. Edwards made his first title defense on December 11, 2021, against undefeated Filipino contender Jayson Mama at the in . In a dominant performance, he dropped Mama in the tenth round with a sharp combination and cruised to a victory, with judges scoring the bout 118-109 twice and 117-110. Edwards' superior speed and defensive footwork neutralized Mama's power punching, allowing him to control the pace over 12 rounds without sustaining significant damage. The second defense came on March 19, 2022, versus Pakistan's , a former title challenger, at the Duty Free Tennis Stadium. Edwards outworked Waseem with precise counterpunching and lateral movement, securing another by scores of 116-110, 115-111, and 115-111 after 12 rounds. This fight highlighted his ability to maintain composure under pressure from a southpaw aggressor, as he landed over 40% of his punches while avoiding Waseem's heavier shots. On November 11, 2022, Edwards faced Nicaraguan puncher , a two-time world champion at higher weights, at the Utilita Arena in , . Despite Alvarado's early aggression, Edwards adjusted by using his reach advantage and ring-cutting ability to dictate range, earning a hard-fought with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113. The victory underscored his tactical adaptability, as he outlanded Alvarado in total punches while minimizing clinches and body work. Edwards' fourth defense occurred on June 10, 2023, against Venezuelan southpaw Andres Campos at the OVO Arena Wembley in . He overcame a competitive middle stretch by ramping up his output in the later rounds, winning unanimously 117-111 on all three cards over 12 rounds. This bout exemplified his outboxing style, relying on feints, pivots, and a consistent jab to frustrate Campos' advances and secure the win on activity rather than power.

Title loss and final bouts

Edwards' dominant reign as IBF flyweight champion came to an end on December 16, 2023, when he faced WBO titleholder Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez in a unification bout at in . Rodriguez overwhelmed Edwards with relentless pressure and power punching, leading to Edwards' corner throwing in the towel at 2:59 of the ninth round, resulting in a technical knockout victory for Rodriguez. This marked Edwards' first professional defeat, dropping his record to 20-1 (4 KOs), while Rodriguez unified the IBF and WBO titles at 19-0 (13 KOs). Seeking a rebound, Edwards returned to the ring on June 29, 2024, against Mexican contender Adrian Curiel on the undercard of Chocolatito Estrada vs. Rodriguez II at Footprint Center in . The bout was halted after nine rounds due to a severe cut over Edwards' right eye caused by an accidental head clash, with ringside judges scoring it 90-82, 88-84, and 89-83 in Edwards' favor, awarding him a unanimous victory. This win improved Edwards' record to 21-1 (4 KOs) and provided momentum for his next challenge, though the injury highlighted vulnerabilities in his defensive style. Edwards then prepared for a high-stakes opportunity to capture the WBC interim flyweight title against undefeated Olympic gold medalist on November 30, 2024, at BP Pulse LIVE in Birmingham, . Despite his experience as a former world champion, Edwards struggled against Yafai's aggressive forward pressure and sharp combinations from the outset. Yafai dominated the action, dropping Edwards in the fifth round and prompting the referee to stop the fight at 1:57 of the sixth round due to Edwards' inability to continue, securing a technical knockout win for Yafai. This loss, Edwards' second in his career, left him at 21-2 (4 KOs) and ended his immediate title aspirations.

Retirement

Following his sixth-round technical knockout loss to on November 30, 2024, Sunny Edwards immediately announced his retirement from at the age of 28. Edwards cited several factors for his decision, including the accumulation of injuries that had worn down his body over years of competition, as well as a noticeable decline in his energy levels for the rigorous training process. He specifically stated, "I don't have the same energy for the process that I used to," reflecting on the toll of his career. During the Yafai bout itself, cameras captured Edwards confiding to his corner mid-fight about his physical and mental fatigue, admitting, "Do you want me to be real with you? I don't even wanna be here," which underscored the exhaustion leading to his post-fight declaration. His final professional record stood at 21 wins, 2 losses, and 4 knockouts. In the weeks following his , Edwards expressed satisfaction with the , describing a sense of relief and no regrets about ending his career early despite his accomplishments as a former IBF flyweight champion. As of late 2024, he affirmed that he did not believe he had made the wrong decision and indicated no immediate plans for a comeback.

Boxing attributes and legacy

Fighting style

Sunny Edwards employs an complemented by a 60-inch reach, which enables him to control range and dictate the pace of engagements through precise positioning. This setup underpins his emphasis on defensive mastery, where he prioritizes evasion over exchanges, using subtle head movement and shoulder rolls to neutralize incoming strikes while minimizing exposure. His approach highlights a high-volume punching output, often landing combinations from the periphery to accumulate points without seeking unnecessary risks. The nickname "Showtime" aptly reflects Edwards' flashy footwork, sharp counterpunching, and evasive maneuvers that infuse his performances with flair and unpredictability, drawing comparisons to entertainers in the ring. Central to his arsenal is a crisp jab, deployed to probe defenses and set up follow-up shots, paired with lateral movement that keeps opponents off-balance and disrupts their rhythm. This reliance on technical outboxing over power has resulted in predominantly decision victories, with just four knockouts across his 21 professional wins, underscoring his preference for attrition through volume and accuracy rather than one-punch finishes. Edwards' style evolved from the slick, evasive slickness honed in his days—emphasizing speed and defense—to a more refined professional outboxing technique, adapting amateur fluidity into sustained pressure and tactical depth particularly suited to championship-level competition. This progression allows him to apply his defensive prowess effectively in high-stakes defenses, frustrating aggressors with layered counters and positional superiority.

Achievements and impact

Sunny Edwards achieved significant success in the professional flyweight division, most notably by capturing the IBF flyweight world title on April 30, 2021, with a victory over defending champion in . He held the belt for over two and a half years until losing it by ninth-round technical to Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez on December 16, 2023, in . During his made four successful defenses, outpointing Jayson Mama in October 2021, in March 2022, in November 2022, and Andres Campos in June 2023, showcasing consistent dominance in the division. These victories solidified his status as the top-ranked contender and eventual No. 1 in the IBF flyweight rankings, while he was recognized as The Ring magazine's flyweight champion during 2022. In his amateur career, Edwards amassed several national accolades, including gold medals at the 2013 ABA Juniors Championships in the 49kg category and the 2014 English Youth National Championships. He further earned silver at the 2014 GB Youth Three Nations Championships in , competing against elite youth talent from across the and beyond. These accomplishments highlighted his early technical prowess and laid the foundation for his professional transition in 2016. Edwards' impact extended beyond his ring record of 21 wins and 2 losses (4 KOs), as he helped revitalize interest in the flyweight division within British boxing, becoming one of the few fighters to claim a world title at 112 pounds in recent decades. His precise, defensive fighting style—often described as a "" in evasion and counterpunching—earned him recognition as a skilled who prioritized skill over power, influencing perceptions of success at the lower weights despite the category's historical underappreciation in the . Following his retirement on November 30, 2024, Edwards has continued involvement in the sport through family ties, with his brother Charlie Edwards also a former world champion.

References

  1. https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/775118
  2. https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/38549890/sunny-edwards-biography-boxing-record-fights-more
  3. https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/42703276/former-champ-sunny-edwards-suffers-shock-loss-galal-yafai
  4. https://boxingnews.com/fighter/sunny-edwards/
  5. https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/60810667
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  8. https://boxrec.com/wiki/index.php/Sunny_Edwards
  9. https://proboxinginsider.com/galal-yafai-vs-sunny-edwards-preview-prediction/
  10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vomjQdHTYc
  11. https://queensberry.co.uk/blogs/queensberry-promotions-blog/gb-amateur-star-sunny-edwards-pens-promotional-deal-with-frank-warren
  12. https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/how-sunny-edwards-grant-smith-defied-critics
  13. https://queensberry.co.uk/blogs/queensberry-promotions-blog/the-big-interview-sunny-edwards-part-2
  14. https://box.live/boxers/sunny-edwards/
  15. https://www.badlefthook.com/2021/5/24/22451822/ibf-orders-sunny-edwards-face-mandatory-challenger-jayson-mama-boxing-news-2021
  16. https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/sunny-edwards-embraces-underdog-role-mthalane-title-fight
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  19. https://www.badlefthook.com/2021/4/30/22409628/mthalane-edwards-live-streaming-results-round-by-running-order-how-watch-start-time-boxing-news-2021
  20. https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/39113247/can-flyweight-take-boxing-sunny-edwards-goal
  21. https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/59612048
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  24. https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/34984310/sunny-edwards-proposes-boxing-brothers-tournament-prepares-ibf-flyweight-defence
  25. https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/37832910/sunny-edwards-defeats-andres-campos-retain-ibf-title
  26. https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/65866648
  27. https://box.live/fights/rodriguez-vs-edwards/
  28. https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/sunny-edwards-wins-cut-shortened-bout-over-adrian-curiel
  29. https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/articles/cev9v8vekygo
  30. https://www.marca.com/en/boxing/2024/12/01/674bbc2be2704e1c9d8b4585.html
  31. https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/sunny-edwards-qa-i-dont-think-ive-made-the-wrong-decision-about-retirement
  32. https://sports.yahoo.com/do-you-want-me-to-be-real-with-you-sunny-edwards-retires-after-cameras-catch-sobering-mid-fight-confession-000125329.html
  33. https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/sunny-edwards-retirement-relieved-galal-yafai/a6rn0unh1crf1mnq3e06d8x5z
  34. https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/sunny-edwards-relieved-that-retirement-has-come
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WImW4QDMFlE
  36. https://www.thefight-site.com/home/sunny-edwards-could-totally-win-guys
  37. https://bloodyelbow.com/2023/12/17/boxing-bam-rodriguez-edwards/
  38. https://boxingnewsonline.net/moruti-mthalane-vs-sunny-edwards-style-and-substance/
  39. https://www.betustv.com/boxing/picks-predictions-jesse-rodriguez-vs-sunny-edwards-12-16-2023/
  40. https://ringmagazine.com/en/news/the-ring-ratings-reviewed-for-2025-flyweight-limit-112-pounds-1
  41. https://bigfightweekend.com/news/sunny-edwards-record-ranking-memorable-wins/
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