Sunny Edwards makes third defence of IBF world title – wants WBC champ Jesse Rodriguez next

Sunny Edwards reminded everyone why he is the best flyweight on the planet by seeing off his dangerous mandatory challenger Felix Alvarado.

The Croydon fighter, who was walked to the ring by UK grime artist Jaykae, produced a performance that mixed sublime skill and dogged determination to defeat the excellent Alvarado on all three of the judges’ scorecards at Probellum Sheffield last night.

The man known as ‘Showtime’ – now 19-0 as a pro – made a third defence of his IBF crown with scores of 115-113, 116-112 and 115-113 after 12 rounds at the Utilita Arena.

And Edwards is already lining up the next big challenge of his reign as world champion – WBC super-flyweight champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez.

“Felix Alvarado is a phenomenal puncher and I sat there and mixed it with him,” said Edwards.  “I rode shots, took shots, threw shots, and if I can do that against him then I can do it against anyone.

“Bam Rodriguez, you promised me the fight.  Come and get it.

“I had the [Alvarado] fight 8-4 or 9-3 in my favour, I don’t know what the some of the scorecards were about.  I went up clear and then coasted it from there.”

PICTURE: PROBELLUM