SUNNY EDWARDS is determined to secure a fight against Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez because he knows what a win would mean for his career and legacy in the sport.
The 27-year-old is considered one of British boxing’s top fighters and is often debated as the best in the UK and the best flyweight in the world.
On June 10, Edwards had his 20th professional fight, which began in Spain against Sergey Tasimov seven years ago. He recently defeated Chilean Andres Campos, adding another 12 rounds to his record and successfully defending his IBF belt. This fight was Edwards’ first under Matchroom Boxing, as he signed with them in March. Promoter Eddie Hearn also works with Rodriguez and has expressed his desire to unify the four belts in the 112lbs division.
Prior to the Campos fight, Edwards referred to his opponent as a “beaten man” during the final pre-fight press conference. This comment was in relation to their confrontation the day before, where Edwards got up close and provoked Campos. Edwards easily won the fight at Wembley Arena and has already set his sights on the next challenge.
“I think it went pretty much as I expected,” Edwards said in an interview with Boxing News.
“I knew he was a dangerous and ambitious young fighter, but I always believed that I had the upper hand. I approached the fight more as a learning experience, rather than being solely focused on winning. I felt like the victory was already guaranteed, so I used the opportunity to work on my skills and learn a few things.”
Rodriguez is undoubtedly the next opponent Edwards wants to face, and Eddie Hearn recently expressed confidence that the unification fight could be arranged within the next two weeks.
“I am aggressively pursuing one of the big-name fights,” Edwards said about his future plans.
“The most realistic option is Bam Rodriguez. We are currently in negotiations, but their team has been making ridiculous demands. I am willing to go anywhere they want me to. They are being difficult over minor things, but hopefully, we can resolve that. I am ready for the fight. I don’t need every little advantage. They are looking for ways to avoid the fight, trying to gain a one or two percent advantage. It’s pathetic.”
The Edwards vs. Rodriguez fight will likely take place in the United States, a country that has always been a dream destination for British boxers. Despite years of struggles, British fighters occasionally achieve great success across the pond. Edwards is confident that he can make an impact, with his charisma and confidence reminiscent of Prince Naseem Hamed, who fought in the US between 1997 and 2001.
Rodriguez is highly regarded as a pound-for-pound talent and potentially a generational talent. Despite fracturing his jaw, the Texan-born southpaw out-pointed Cristian Gonzalez Hernandez in his last fight, securing the WBO’s flyweight belt. Rodriguez had a breakthrough year in 2022 at super-flyweight.
Edwards is excited about the prospect of fighting in America. His personality is suited for such a grand stage, and he would relish being the English villain who wants to make an example out of Rodriguez.
“There’s still a long way to go before the fight is finalized, but I have always been willing to travel,” he stated.
“I am a world champion, and I want to travel the world defending my title against the best fighters. Conquering America is on every British boxer’s bucket list. The magnitude of the event, the platform, the exposure, and the impact it would have on my legacy and family name make it the fight I truly desire.
“Honestly, I have faced scarier opponents than Bam Rodriguez. I genuinely believe that, and I think many boxing enthusiasts who have closely followed the sport would agree with me.”