Sunny Edwards (21-2, 4 KOs), the former IBF flyweight champion, has announced his retirement from professional boxing after suffering a brutal sixth-round TKO defeat to Galal Yafai (9-0, 7 KOs) on Saturday night. The bout, held at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England, marked a decisive victory for Yafai and the end of Edwards‘ storied career.
The fight began with Yafai immediately asserting his dominance. In the opening seconds, the 31-year-old Olympic gold medalist unleashed a relentless barrage of punches that had Edwards pinned and struggling to recover. By the fifth round, Yafai had Edwards trapped against the ropes, delivering a series of unanswered blows.
The sixth round saw more of the same, as Yafai forced Edwards into the ropes and landed a devastating flurry of punches. Referee intervention came at the 1:10 mark, halting the fight to save Edwards from further punishment.
A struggling Edwards
Signs of trouble for Edwards were evident early in the fight, both physically and mentally. Between the second and third rounds, Edwards told his corner, “I don’t want to be here,” a chilling statement that hinted at his lack of motivation and confidence.
This fight mirrored Edwards‘ loss to Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez in December 2023, where size and power disparities proved insurmountable. Against Yafai, Edwards once again faced an opponent who appeared significantly larger and stronger, with many questioning Yafai’s drastic weight cut to make the flyweight limit.
Yafai’s respectful victory
Despite the dominant win, Yafai showed humility in victory. “Sunny is a great champion,” he said post-fight. “I had to train my hardest for him because I knew how skilled he was. People underrate me, but I’ve been competing against the best since the Olympics. This was my night, but Sunny is a top fighter and a former world champion for a reason.”
Yafai credited his Olympic gold medal experience as preparation for high-stakes fights like this one, but he also acknowledged Edwards‘ technical prowess and achievements in the sport.
Edwards’ legacy
At 28, Edwards steps away from the ring with an impressive resume, including a world title reign and recognition as one of the most technically gifted fighters in his division. While his career ends on a somber note, Edwards‘ contributions to boxing will not be forgotten.
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