Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez v Sunny Edwards: Briton’s corner stop unification fight at end of ninth round

In a thrilling showdown between two top flyweights, the British boxing sensation Sunny Edwards saw his IBF world title slip away as he suffered his first defeat as a professional boxer at the hands of the sensational Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez. The bout took place in Arizona and concluded with a dramatic stoppage in the ninth round.

Sunny Edwards, known for his quick wit and mind games in the boxing world, faced a formidable challenge in the young American Rodriguez. The fight began with Edwards showing his usual confidence, but Rodriguez quickly displayed his skills, landing a counter right in the second round that left Edwards with a swollen left eye.

Despite Edwards’ early successes, Rodriguez’s seven-inch reach advantage and his southpaw stance allowed him to establish control behind a well-timed jab. The third round saw both fighters trading blows, with chants of ‘Bam’ echoing through the arena. Edwards, however, found his rhythm and landed a beautiful counter left in the fourth, leveling the playing field.

While this bout may not have grabbed the attention of casual sports fans, it was a treat for boxing purists. The fifth round showcased the elite level of boxing on display, with both fighters demonstrating their defensive skills and trading punches with precision.

In the sixth round, Rodriguez capitalized on Edwards’ occasional complacency and launched a barrage of shots with his opponent against the ropes. The two fighters engaged in some showboating, adding a touch of entertainment to the intense battle.

As the fight progressed, it became evident that Rodriguez was landing the more eye-catching and impactful punches. Edwards was feeling the pressure, and his eye was becoming a significant issue. By the ninth round, Edwards needed a miracle knockout to secure victory, but it was Rodriguez who delivered the decisive blow, sending Edwards to the canvas for the third time in his professional career.

Referee Michael Flores asked Edwards if he wanted to continue, but his corner had already made the decision to end the fight, protecting their fighter. It was a disappointing moment for Edwards, who suffered his first career loss.

Despite the defeat, this fight marked a significant moment in Edwards’ career. He had quietly risen through the ranks, winning the IBF title in 2021 with little fanfare. This main event appearance on a big stage brought him the recognition he deserved, even in defeat.

In the post-fight interview, Edwards expressed his disappointment but vowed to return to the ring. Boxing is his passion, and he acknowledged that there were no excuses for his loss. Promoter Eddie Hearn praised Edwards for his bravery and predicted that he would gain new fans with his valiant performance.

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, on the other hand, demonstrated why he’s considered one of the most exciting pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. At just 23 years old, he had already become a two-weight champion and now added a unified world champion title at flyweight to his impressive resume.

The fight may have had its share of pre-fight trash talk, but the mutual respect between the two fighters was evident post-fight. Rodriguez visited Edwards’ dressing room as the former champion received stitches to his eyes, and they even discussed the possibility of sparring in the future.

Looking ahead, Rodriguez is eyeing a return to the super-flyweight division to challenge Mexico’s WBC champion Juan Francisco Estrada. As for Edwards, he still has the opportunity to become a two-time world champion if he continues to compete in the flyweight division, with a potentially exciting showdown against Julio Cesar Martinez on the horizon.

In the end, this battle between two talented flyweights showcased the heart, skill, and drama that make boxing such a captivating sport. It was a night to remember for both fighters and all the fans who witnessed their memorable clash in the ring.

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More about Boxing Showdown

• Sunny Edwards loses IBF title to Jesse Rodriguez – BBC Sport
• Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez’s boxing career – Boxing News 24
• Fight analysis and details – Sporting News
• Eddie Hearn’s comments on Sunny Edwards – Sky Sports Boxing News