What can safely be assumed to be the lower division’s second-best fight (after Inoue vs. Fulton) of the year will finally commence, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, who signaled on his Twitter account that Sunny Edwards and Jesse Rodriguez had signed a deal to face each other in the near future. Both fighters are in possession of a single world title, and are also regarded as the two best Flyweights in the world according to BoxRec.
The fight had been anticipated since Jesse Rodriguez (18-0, 11 KO’s0 vacated his WBC Super Flyweight title last year in October in an attempt to challenge at Flyweight instead. He immediately received an opportunity to challenge for the then-vacant WBO Flyweight title, which he successfully won after defeating the #1 contender for the title, Cristian Gonzalez Hernandez (15-2, 5 KO’s), this year in April.
With British IBF Flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (20-0, 4 KO’s) having been regarded as one of the best fighters in the division since conquering his first world title in 2021, Jesse Rodriguez’ move down to Flyweight signaled a change that would occur in an arguably stagnating division. Edwards, 27, has noticeably not been in any unification fights since first winning his IBF Flyweight title which prompted him to make a move this year to sign with Matchroom Boxing, run by Eddie Hearn, who had signed Jesse Rodriguez to their roster in early 2022.
Though Jesse Rodriguez has been sidelined due to the jaw injury he incurred during his last match, he is expected to face Sunny Edwards as soon as he has recovered. Sunny Edwards is also expected not to take any fight in the interim while waiting for Rodriguez to recuperate.
No venue or date have yet been picked but the contracts have been confirmed to be signed by both fighters. Once arranged, both the IBF and WBO Flyweight titles will be on the line. According to Eddie Hearn, the bout may be set in the winter of this year but is heavily dependent on when and how well Jesse Rodriguez recovers.
“Really pleased with this one! One of the best fights in boxing, respect to both! #BamEdwards unification coming your way this winter live on @daznboxing” Eddie Hearn excitedly announced through his Twitter account to confirm the fight coming through.
With both fighters still undefeated, there will be more at stake than just titles or bragging rights. Jesse Rodriguez had looked very much on his way to dominate the Super Flyweight division before moving down, while Sunny Edwards also staked his claim in his own division the moment he captured the IBF title in 2021.
