The summer could see Sunny Edwards make his return to the ring, this time in America. After his loss to Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez in Arizona last December, the 28-year-old is looking to bounce back with a fight against Mexico’s Adrian Curiel on June 29. The fight is set to be the chief support for Rodriguez’s challenge against Juan Francisco Estrada for the WBC super-flyweight title.
In the last fight against Rodriguez, Edwards was dropped heavily in the ninth round before his trainer Grant Smith decided to pull him out at the end of the session. The Texan’s powerful shots left visible damage on Edwards, with swelling under his eyes and cuts to his nose and right eyebrow. This defeat marked the end of Edwards’ three-year reign as IBF champion and saw Rodriguez unify the flyweight division.
Looking to move down to light-flyweight, Edwards had his eye on the winner of the IBF 108lb title rematch between Curiel and Sivenathi Nontshinga. Curiel, who had previously produced an Upset of the Year and Knockout of the Year contender in Monte Carlo, faced a tougher challenge in Nontshinga in his first title defense. After a relentless attack from the challenger, Nontshinga landed three right hands in the 10th round followed by a flurry of shots that forced a standing eight count from the referee. With less than 40 seconds left in the round, Nonthshinga’s continued assault led to the fight being stopped.
Promoted by Matchroom like Edwards, Nontshinga aims to unify the light-flyweight division against WBC belt holder Kenshiro Teraji. However, he will first have to face a rematch against mandatory challenger Christian Araneta. The IBF has officially ordered the bout, giving both parties until April 4 to come to an agreement or risk it going to purse bids. Araneta, who has won his last five fights since his non-title loss to Nonthshinga three years ago, is eager for another shot at the title.