Sunny Edwards, born on January 1, 1996, in Sutton, London, is a prominent British professional boxer known for his exceptional skills in the flyweight division. He held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title from April 2021 until December 2023 and is recognized for his technical prowess and strategic fighting style.
Sunny Edwards Early Life and Amateur Career
Edwards grew up in a boxing family, being the younger brother of former WBC flyweight champion Charlie Edwards. He began boxing at a young age and trained at Repton ABC before moving to Steel City ABC. During his amateur career, he achieved significant success, winning multiple national titles including the ABA Juniors in 2013, ABA Youth in 2014, and the ABA Elite in 2015. He also earned silver medals at the GB Junior Championships and the ABA Elite Championships in 2012 and 2016 respectively.
Professional Career
Debut and Rise to Prominence
Sunny Edwards made his professional debut on September 24, 2016, defeating Sergey Tasimov by points decision. He quickly established himself in the super-flyweight category, winning the vacant WBO European super-flyweight title against Ross Murray in November 2017. Following this victory, he continued to build his reputation with a series of successful defenses of his titles.
In September 2019, Edwards moved down to flyweight and captured both the IBF International and WBO Inter-Continental flyweight titles by defeating Rosendo Guarneros. His performance caught the attention of boxing fans and promoters alike.
IBF Flyweight Champion
Edwards achieved a major milestone on April 30, 2021, when he faced Moruti Mthalane for the IBF flyweight title. In a dominant performance, he won by unanimous decision, with scores of 118-111, 120-108, and 115-113. This victory not only crowned him champion but also marked the beginning of his reign as one of the top fighters in the flyweight division.
During his time as champion, Edwards successfully defended his title four times against notable challengers including Felix Alvarado and Andres Campos. His ability to outmaneuver opponents with brilliant footwork and defensive skills became a hallmark of his fighting style.
Recent Developments
As of December 2023, Sunny Edwards' professional record stands at 21 wins (4 by knockout) and 1 loss. His only defeat came against Jesse Rodriguez on December 16, 2023, where he lost via retirement after the ninth round during a unification bout that showcased both fighters' skills.
Sunny Edwards Personal Life and Legacy
Outside of boxing, Edwards is known for his engaging personality and has become a fan favorite for his candidness and charisma. He has expressed ambitions to elevate the visibility of flyweight boxing on a global scale, aiming to prove that fighters in lower weight classes can achieve significant recognition.
Edwards' journey reflects not only personal ambition but also a commitment to representing British boxing on an international stage. As he continues to compete at a high level, Sunny Edwards remains an influential figure in the sport with aspirations for future championship opportunities.
