Is Sunny Edwards v Julio Cesar Martinez Flyweight Unification a Done Deal?
Reigning IBF flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (18-0, 4 KOs) has not been shy about expressing his desire for a high-profile fight. During interviews, the 26-year-old from London, England is quick to say he’s willing to fight the best of the best at 112 and 115 pounds. Now it looks as if Edwards will finally get his wish.
The word on the street is he has been in negotiations for a unification fight with the current WBC 112-pound champ Julio Cesar Martinez (18-2, 14 KOs) for October 22 in the United States. During a post on social media, Edwards left a suggestive message.
A TALE OF TWO WORLD CHAMPIONS
Edwards captured the IBF belt with a unanimous decision over Moruti Mthalane in April 2021 and has defended the title twice. His last outing was a unanimous decision victory over Muhammad Waseem in March 2021. Of the many fighters he’d like to face in and around his division, Martinez has been his number one target.
Martinez splashed on the scene in August 2019 in a fight against the then-WBC champ, Charlie Edwards, the older brother of Sunny. That battle ended in a three-round no-contest when Martinez hit Edwards with a punch when he was down on one knee. It was a disappointing conclusion as Martinez was pummeling the older Edwards and looked to be on his way toward a stoppage victory. Following that match, Edwards decided to vacate the WBC strap.
Rebounding from that setback, Martinez stopped Cristofer Rosales in nine rounds to capture the vacant WBC title in December 2019. But his time as a world champion has been filled with highs and lows. The 27-year-old from Mexico City, Mexico has successfully defended four times. However, his title reign has been plagued by injury, illness, and weight issues.
Martinez was to have fought a rematch with current WBC Interim champ McWilliams Arroyo in June 2022 but withdrew after falling ill. That fight was to be rescheduled, but Arroyo has apparently agreed to step aside, allowing an Edwards-Martinez bout to happen.
CLASSIC CONTRAST IN STYLES
The IBF champ is known for his boxing skills and movement. He often frustrates foes with his stick and move style. Conversely, Martinez is constantly on the attack. He loves to use aggression and two-fisted punching power to overwhelm opponents. This would be the first flyweight unification matchup since Brian Viloria knocked out Hernan Marquez to become the unified champ in November 2012. Because there has yet to be an official announcement, stay tuned to 3Kings Boxing for further updates.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
