Sunny Edwards on Friday retained his IBF flyweight title against challenger Felix Alvarado today in Sheffield, England. The judges scored the fight 115-113, 115-113, and 116-112.
“It’s nothing less than I expected. This was my homecoming. It took three defenses to get it. He was a very hard puncher, but I was not to be denied.” Edwards said.
“Sheffield stand up, felt surreal the support I got from every corner of the city as well as all the people travelling from all over,” Edwards said.
The 26-year-old Londoner is now eyeing on Bam Rodriguez, who lost his super-flyweight title to fight at 112 pounds.
“If I can sit there and mix it with [Alvarado], I can do it against anyone. He’s a big puncher, but I would not be denied. Bam Rodriguez, you promised me the fight, come and get it.” Edwards said.
Edwards’ Friday night challenger, came into the fight with 33 knockout wins on his 38 wins. But he boxed with ease, landing a powerful left hook late in round six that knocked Alvarado out cold. He also landed a powerful right uppercut in round five.
In the seventh round, Alvarado rebounded in the second half of the fight with a strong body punch, while Edwards was knocked out after referee Steve Gray kicked on his ankle by accident. However, Edwards took control late in the fight and won on points.
Edwards won his belt by defeating two-time champion Moruti Mthalane in April of last year. He then successfully defended against Jayson Mama and Muhammad Waseem, winning both fights by wide decisions.
Alvarado, meanwhile, held a 108-pound title from 2018 until he gave it up this year and moved up to 112.
The Nicaraguan fighter made his flyweight debut in May, when he stopped Luis Cerrito Hernandez in four rounds.
