The rumors that were flying around of Matchroom’s intention to sign Sunny Edwards and Jack Catterall have been confirmed to be true after their latest announcement. The UK-based promotion ― that currently has stars such as Anthony Joshua and Dmitry Bivol on their roster ― has added three new talents to their stable, including British female prospect Shannon Ryan, IBF Flyweight champion Sunny Edwards and Super Lightweight contender Jack Catterall.
Matchroom’s move comes off the back weeks after British Light-Heavyweight Joshua Buatsi (16-0, 13 KO’s) left to join BOXXER, and months after British Cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie (19-0, 14 KO’s) switched sides to the same promotion. With both British fighters having started their careers under the Matchroom banner, Eddie Hearn ― chairman of Matchroom ― has quickly decided to fill his roster with new talents.
The move to acquire Junior Welterweight/Super Lightweight Jack Catterall (26-1, 13 KO’s) is perhaps the most surprising of all, given he was signed with BOXXER before moving to Matchroom. As we previously highlighted before, Jack Catterall’s move was likely because Ben Shalom ― chairman of BOXXER ― his inability to grant him the Josh Taylor (19-0, 13 KO’s) fight. Notably, Shalom himself had stated that a contract was signed with Taylor but the fight never materialized as Taylor would go on to fight his Top Rank stablemate, Teofimo Lopez (18-1, 13 KO’s), instead.
Naturally, Catterall seemed excited at the prospect of fighting for his new promotion and streaming service DAZN.
“I’m excited for the next phase of my career.” Catterall said elatedly.
“Teaming up with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and DAZN is a massive step in the right direction for me. There are going to be some huge nights in the future and I’m excited to get the ball rolling and to be involved in some career-defining fights over the next couple of years. I have been working tremendously hard in the gym and I will be ready for any opportunity that presents itself. I’m grateful to be in this position and I’m looking forward to kicking off a successful relationship with Matchroom and DAZN.”
Sunny Edwards (19-0, 4 KO’s), the current IBF Flyweight champion, is perhaps the least surprising move of all given his contract status was already in doubt with his previous employer, Probellum whose future seems to be stuck in limbo since they were discovered to allegedly have connections with notorious Irish crime boss Daniel Kinahan. With WBA Flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez (19-2, 14 KO’s) also signed with Matchroom, Edwards will likely unify with Martinez in the near future, and now that he is away from Probellum he can enjoy some stability in his career.
Edwards has also stated his intention to unify and return to the ring in June or July.
“I’m hoping to be out June/July time. I’d originally hoped I’d have been out a little bit earlier in this year, but a rest after a few busy years boxing has done me good. I’m not content defending World Titles, I need more.” Edwards said.
“First I want to unify whilst collecting the Ring Magazine Title. It has always been a big dream of mine to hold arguably the biggest prize in boxing today. It seems as if Martinez is the man for that, but at this point it’s whoever comes first. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead whatever they may be, bring me the fighter they tell me I can’t beat – and repeat.”
Shannon Ryan (4-0, 0 KO’s), who hails from Watford like Anthony Joshua (24-3, 22 KO’s) and made her debut in 2022, is perhaps the least-known and least-experienced fighter on the roster with her current record. Her competition so far has been far from stellar, but the British female Super Flyweight will be hoping to light a blaze in her career that will see her rapidly improve while hopefully fight better competition than she has been.
With her being considered to be the 39th best Super Flyweight in the world, Ryan will most likely have plenty of good fights to prove her worth, and a world title opportunity may come lurking sooner or later now she is with a big and established promotion. Concurrently, the female Brit has also been signed with Anthony Joshua’s sports management company, 258 management.
“I’m very excited to start this next chapter of my career under the Matchroom Boxing promotional banner.” Ryan said about her signing to Matchroom and DAZN. “I look forward to being able to showcase my skills on the big stage and to millions of people around the world on DAZN.
“Being in those big fights and collecting those World Titles is why I am in this sport and with the backing of my team, 258 Management, O2 and Matchroom Boxing I’m confident that I can fulfil my potential.”
