Sunny Edwards Finishes Strong To Top Felix Alvarado
On November 11 in Sheffield Arena, IBF flyweight champion Sunny “Showtime” Edwards (19-0, 4KO) was heavily tested by former IBF light flyweight champ Felix “El Gemelo” Alvarado (38-3, 33KO)
Alvarado came into the fight with a lot of experience. His only defeats were against multi-divisional champions Kazuto Ioka and Juan Carlos Reveco. The 33 year-old Nicaraguan has not lost since being defeated by Reveco in 2014. The former champion applies relentless pressure and has a motor that never runs out of gas.
Edwards has been on a mission since his shocking victory over Moruti Mthalane for the title in 2021. His performances in the last two successful title defenses against Muhammad Waseem and Jayson Mama proved that he possesses some of the best boxing skills in the flyweight division.
THE CHAMPION TOOK CONTROL EARLY
The fight started in typical Edwards fashion. He used the ring to maintain distance from the more aggressive Alvarado. Showtime was like a sniper landing sharp left and right counter hooks. Although, Alvarado did have moments going to the body trying to slow down the mobile champion.
Edwards was finding a home for the uppercut as his opponent would come in with his head down. El Gemelo kept the pressure on while being successful in landing body shots.
The middle rounds are where El Gemelo did his best work. Here, he took advantage of Edwards electing to fight while against the ropes and went on an all-out body assault. At this point, the fight seemed to be close and the champion needed to make an adjustment to tame the aggression of the former champ.
EDWARDS CLOSED THE SHOW STRONG
In the championship rounds, Edwards’ footwork started to be a key factor as he moved beautifully avoiding those bombs by Alvarado. He went back to landing that left uppercut and at times benefited from a flurry of unanswered combinations.
Edwards’ defense was solid by using angles to offset Alvarado’s aggression. As the fight was coming to an end, he closed the show strong behind his movement and counter-punching.
As the scorecards were tallied two judges scored it 115-113, with one having it 116-112, permitting Edwards to retain the title. 3kingsboxing also had the fight in favor of the champion with the score of 117-111.
In the post-fight interview, Showtime wasted no time calling out rival WBC champion Julio Cesar Martinez.
By: Garrisson Bland
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