Matchroom Boxing deal for Croydon-raised Sunny Edwards

IBF world flyweight champion Sunny Edwards is targeting unification fights after signing a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

The 27-year-old, raised in Croydon, has been chasing more belts for a prolonged period.

And Edwards believes that signing with Matchroom, who also promote WBC belt-holder Julio Cesar Martinez, will help those bouts to happen.

“I’m extremely excited at this stage of my career to be partnering up with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing,” said Edwards (19-0, four KOs).

“Eddie (Hearn) has always been one of the most influential men on the boxing circuit since I’ve been involved in the sport. The conversations were simple – we both want to deliver the biggest fights possible every time.

“I’m hoping to be out June or July time. I’d originally hoped I’d have been out a little bit earlier in this year, but a rest after a few busy years boxing has done me good. I’m not content defending world titles, I need more.

“First I want to unify while collecting the Ring Magazine title. It has always been a big dream of mine to hold arguably the biggest prize in boxing today.

“It seems as if Martinez is the man for that but, at this point, it’s whoever comes first. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead – whatever they may be. Bring me the fighter they tell me I can’t beat – and repeat.”

Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “Sunny Edwards is one of the most naturally gifted boxers we have produced in the UK.

“Sunny can certainly talk the talk and he can definitely walk the walk – a fight against WBC ruler Julio Cesar Martinez or Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez is a must for 2023.”

Edwards has made three defences of his IBF world title.

PICTURE: MARK ROBINSON/MATCHROOM BOXING