Flyweight world champions Sunny Edwards and Jesse Rodriguez are set to face off in the ring on December 16th, as confirmed by Matchroom, the promoter to which both fighters are signed. This clash will bring together two of the world’s finest Flyweights in a unification bout that will determine the new unified champion of the division. The Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, has been chosen as the venue to host this highly anticipated showdown.
The eagerly awaited battle between these flyweights has been brewing since Jesse Rodriguez (18-0, 11 KO’s) transitioned from the super flyweight division to secure the vacant WBO flyweight title earlier this year in April. His victory affirmed his ambition to dominate the flyweight division.
Despite the presence of WBA world champion Artem Dalakian (22-0, 15 KO’s) and WBC champion Julio Cesar Martinez (20-2, 15 KO’s), Sunny Edwards (20-0, 4 KO’s) has been widely regarded as the premier flyweight ever since he clinched the IBF flyweight title in 2021 by defeating then-reigning IBF flyweight champon Moruti Mthalane (40-3, 26 KO’s).
Edwards has subsequently defended his IBF title four times, each victory coming by way of unanimous decision. Yet, he has yet to solidify his presence in the division through a unification bout. Jesse Rodriguez’s move down to flyweight after signing with Matchroom breathed new life into a seemingly stagnant division as Edwards appears to have finally met an opponent who is prepared to push him to his limits.
Both fighters boast an unblemished record and are recognized as elite-level competitors, adding even more significance to this matchup. The victor will emerge with two titles – the WBO and IBF – and gain a strategic advantage for orchestrating future unification contests. While champions Artem Dalakian and Julio Cesar Martinez await, the winner of this bout will potentially ascend the pound-for-pound rankings based on their performance.
The chosen venue, the Desert Diamond Arena, introduces an intriguing element, possibly providing American Jesse Rodriguez with a crucial home advantage. This decision might have been influenced by Rodriguez’s longer tenure under the Matchroom banner. Alternatively, it could be seen as DAZN’s endeavor to expand its fan base in the United States, following its already established popularity in Europe, particularly the UK.
A victory for Sunny Edwards would therefore hold even greater significance, considering he will be competing outside his home country of the UK, and may encounter a potentially hostile crowd. As the winner will undoubtedly be regarded as the preeminent flyweight globally, the forthcoming bout on December 16th is poised to set the stage for yet another thrilling encounter, contributing to what has already been an exceptional year for boxing.
