Sunny Edwards is looking to become a two-weight world champion
Following one of the most high-profile flyweight title bouts in recent memory, Sunny Edwards has threatened to move down to the light-flyweight division in pursuit of one of it’s champions, aiming to become a multi-division world champion. However, it seems that the opportunity has passed.
Edwards uncharacteristically stood toe-to-toe with top ten pound-for-pounder, Jesee ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, back in December, ditching his slick footwork in favour of a come-forward, engaging approach. Unfortunately for the Brit, it was Rodriguez who managed to do more damage and eventually got the stoppage win after Edwards retired on his stool at the end of the ninth-round, but still taking deserved credit for a gruelling showcase of how exciting the 112lb division can be, despite losing his IBF world title.
Ever since, the 28-year-old has revealed his intentions to drop down to 108lbs and take on IBF light-flyweight champion, Sivenathi Nontshinga, who is also signed with Matchroom and recently avenged his shock defeat to Adrian Curiel in dramatic fashion.
In an interview with Boxing Scene, promoter Eddie Hearn admitted that it would be tough for Edwards to cut the weight but recognised that the proposal could make for another blockbuster.
“He wants to fight [Nonito] Donaire, he wants to fight Nontshinga. I think realistically, Sunny talks about becoming a two division world champion, he’s got a fight right there against Nontshinga.”
“He could [move down to light flyweight] but it is tough, it is tough,”
“But him and Nontshinga is a big fight and is definitely one we could look to make in the summer.”
However, the IBF has now ordered a rematch between Nontshinga and Christian Araneta, who has scored three first-round knockout wins in five fights since losing a tight unanimous-decision to Nontshinga in September 2021.
The sanctioning body states that the South African must defend his belt against Araneta on or before May 4th, meaning Edwards will be forced to either wait or move on.