Cristofer Rosales prepares to make the second defense of his title against Charlie Edwards.
Date: Saturday, December 22, 2018
Location: 02 Arena in Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
Time/Where to Watch: 5:30 p.m. (ET) Showtime (USA) | 9:30 p.m. (GMT) Sky Sports Box Office (UK)
Since the days of Roman Gonzales and Juan Francisco Estrada, flyweight seems to have lost some of its allure. Collectively, the media hasn’t shown an interest or created much hype around the profiles of these “little guys.”
Sure, a few make it through the cracks and enjoy a slice of mainstream pie, but many sadly go unmentioned. It’s a shame fighter’s such as Artem Dalakian, Cristofer Rosales, and Kosei Tanaka seemingly fly underneath everyone’s radar.
How could this be? With boxing steadily thrusting itself into the public’s eye, this generation of flyweight fighters can benefit now more than ever. However, fans will have to intrigue themselves with guys under one hundred fifteen pounds if anything is going to change.
Cristofer Rosales (28-3, 19 KOs)
Despite not having much of an amateur career, Rosales made himself a champion through hard work. The Nicaraguan has won five consecutive bouts; impressively knocking out former WBC champion Daigo Higa of Japan in the process.
At such a young age, Rosales, who is the cousin of Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzales, has shown great progression.
In August, Rosales defended his WBC title against Ireland’s own Paddy Barnes. With only five professional fights, the former Olympic Bronze Medalist wasted no time capitalizing on the championship opportunity.
Throughout the bout, the Irish-challenger had his moments landing flush hooks and combinations. However, Rosales, who was just as determined, wouldn’t let Barnes activity deter him from his game-plan.
The champion’s size and ability to fight at close-to-mid range stymied Barnes’ attacks. As a result, a crushing right-uppercut to the solar-plexus sent Barnes to canvas riving in pain and unable to recover.
Advice to Rosales:
Edwards is a mover. Meticulously break him down and the stoppage will present itself late.
Charlie Edwards (13-1, 6 KOs)
The 25 year-old is back for another shot at championship glory. Similar to Paddy Barns, Edwards stepped up very early in his career to compete for a title.
His opponent, former IBF flyweight champion John Riel Casimero, entered the bout the more polished fighter. Although Edwards remained game throughout the contest, Casimero’s experience carried him to a twelfth round stoppage.
Since the defeat, the determined Brit has won five straight bouts; gaining more knowledge and confidence along the way.
In his last outing, Edwards used his superior boxing to make quick work of super-flyweight contender Anthony Nelson (12-1, 2 KOs). The clash lasted three-rounds with Nelson going down twice before being knocked out in the third round.
Advice to Edwards:
Don’t mix-it-up with Rosales; keep boxing and look to counter his wide punches.
Outcome:
Rosales wins by KO.
By: Cessell Robinson
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