Edwards makes third defence of IBF flyweight belt

Sunny Edwards from London, England, makes the third defence of his IBF flyweight belt against the No 3 rated Felix Alvarado of Nicaragua at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England.

The 26-year-old Edwards won the IBF belt on 30 April 2021 against a well-past-his-best South African Moruti Mthalane (39-2) and then made successful defences against Jayson Mama (16-0), and Muhammad Waseem (12-10), all on unanimous 12-round points decisions.

Edwards has compiled a record of 18-0; 4 since making his pro debut in 2016, after an outstanding amateur career, winning a gold medal at the English Junior & Youth National Championships in 2012, a silver at the Great Britain Junior Championships the same year, a gold at the 2013 and 2014 English Junior & Youth National Championships, gold at the 2015 English ABAE National Championships, bronze at the 2016 Gee-Bee Tournament, and silver at the English ABAE National Championships in 2016.

Alvarado, 33, who has a record of 38-2; 33, made his pro debut in 2010 and has compiled a record 38-2; 33, having boxed 145 rounds.

He suffered his first in loss in 2013 against Kazuto Ioka on a unanimous points decision in a challenge for the WBA light flyweight belt and in 2014 he was outpointed off 12 rounds in a clash for the WBA flyweight belt against Juan Carlos Reveco.

The best win of his career came against Randy Petalcorin, winning on a seventh-round stoppage in 2018 to win the vacant IBF light flyweight belt.

He made defences against Reiva Koidhi and South Africa’s DeeJay Kriel on a tenth-round stoppage.

Alvarado vacated the belt to move back up to the flyweight division.

He has also scored good wins against Miguel Tellez, Nerys Espinoza, Jose Aguilar, Karluis Diaz and Israel Vasquez, and has remained unbeaten since 2014.

Alvarado won has 18 of his last 20 fights inside the distance and has the power to stop Edwards.

However, Edwards is a slick fighter but will have to be at his best to beat Alvarado.

One betting site has Edwards at minus 50.

The other main organisation champions are Artem Dalakian (WBA), Julio Martinez (WBC) and Janto Nakatani (Japan).