Sunny Edwards has put a systemic attitude in boxing under the microscope, questioning why his flyweight clash with Galal Yafai is not receiving more attention.
The 28-year-old will collide with his former amateur foe this Saturday, headlining a stacked card at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England.
With the WBC interim flyweight title up for grabs, too, the winner is set to cement himself as the number one challenger for formidable champion Kenshiro Teraji’s belt.
But while their upcoming showdown promises to deliver a compelling clash of styles, Edwards remains convinced that it has not captured the level of appreciation it deserves.
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Sunny Edwards insists that lower divisions deserve more attention
After making four comprehensive defenses of his IBF strap at 112 lbs, Edwards was forced to suffer his first professional defeat against pound-for-pound star Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez.
Since succumbing to Bam’s ruthless power in the ninth round of their enthralling encounter, the Brit has bounced back with a ninth-round stoppage himself, beating seasoned campaigner Adrian Curiel earlier this year.
His next opponent, meanwhile, has amassed eight victories, with six arriving inside the distance, since claiming gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
But still, while both fighters have proven themselves to be elite level operators, Edwards believes that their dustup deserves a wider appeal from the boxing world.
The lower divisions have, in truth, struggled to generate a high degree of interest over the years, despite providing some of the sport’s most thrilling battles.
And this attitude, Edwards says, has had a profound impact on the earning potential of fighters in and around his weight class.
“We put in just as much effort, we put in just as much sacrifice, and I would argue that every single top level lower weight class fighter is technically better than any fighter above them,” Edwards told The Stomping Ground.
“Our bodies are more efficient. It’s easier for us to move, it’s easier for us to maintain balance – and to go left, and to go right – and for us to be fitter over 12 rounds.
“Heightism is definitely real in careers, in social circles, in relationships – in a lot of things.”
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Sunny Edwards vs. Galal Yafai winner will become mandatory challenger to Kenshiro Teraji
There is a lot at stake in this weekend’s matchup, with the deep seated feud between Charlie Edwards and Kal Yafai adding an extra layer of spice.
Aside from the family pride attached to their fight, though, both Sunny and Galal will be looking to land a world title shot against Teraji.
Back in 2022, Teraji produced a punishing third-round stoppage to exact revenge on Masamichi Yabuki, before making five defenses of his WBC trinket.
And so, with many regarding him as the best flyweight on the planet, whoever wins between Edwards and Yafai will certainly have their work cut out.