BoxRec

Sunny Edwards-Felix Alvarado Mandatory Title Fight Ordered By IBF

Sunny Edwards waited for more than six weeks to receive a contract for an agreed-upon unification bout.

Instead arriving in his inbox were instructions for his next mandatory title defense.

Boxing Scene has learned England’s Edwards has been ordered to next defend his IBF flyweight title against mandatory challenger Felix Alvarado. The fight was formally ordered by the IBF on Thursday, with the two sides granted a 30-day free negotiation period before heading to a purse bid hearing.

Edwards (18-0, 4KOs) previously sought a flyweight unification bout with reigning WBC titlist Julio Cesar Martinez (18-2, 14KOs; 2NC), and was prepared to travel to Mexico if necessary for the fight. The two sides tentatively agreed to terms back in July, with a targeted fight date of October 22 in play either in Mexico or England. However, Edwards’ side never received a fight contract from Matchroom Boxing, Martinez’s co-promoter, thus putting the fight in jeopardy.

Boxing Scene has learned that an official deadline of September 7 was in place to receive signed contracts as proof of the unification fight taking place. A fight with Martinez was the lone exception that the IBF would have granted in lieu of a mandatory title defense which is now in play.

Martinez will reportedly still fight on October 22 in Mexico, though an opponent was not yet named for the rumored fight date.

Nicaragua’s Alvarado (38-2, 33KOs) previously held the IBF junior flyweight title for more than three years, dating back to his October 2018 knockout win over Randy Petalcorin on the road in Pasay City, Philippines. His title reign was slowed by the pandemic, injuries and opponent withdrawals, just making two title defenses along with taking a late non-title fight last August 14 in Frisco, Texas.

Alvarado’s own inability to secure unification bouts led to his vacating the IBF 108-pound title earlier this year. The move was made in exchange for a favorable flyweight ranking as to immediately enter a title fight. One fight has thus far come of his 2022 campaign, a fourth-round knockout of Luis Cerrito Hernandez on May 21 at home in Managua, Nicaragua. He was due to take a stay busy bout later this month in Miami but will likely be pulled as interim fights are generally forbidden once mandatories are officially ordered.

Edwards has held the IBF title since last April 30, outclassing long-reigning champ Moruti Mthalane via unanimous decision in a masterclass performance at York Hall in Bethnal Green, England. Two successful defenses have followed, both resulting in unanimous decision wins in Dubai including a victory over Muhammad Waseem on March 19 in his most recent performance.

Probably November

One undercard will be set

Sunny Edwards-Felix Alvarado IBF Title Fight Set, November 11 In London

Sunny Edwards hoped to face a fellow titleholder for his next fight.

The alternative isn’t quite so bad—an attractive showdown with a former titlist in a hometown title defense.

Boxing Scene has learned that a deal was reached for Edwards to next defend his IBF flyweight title against mandatory challenger Felix Alvarado. The bout will take place on November 11 at a yet-to-be determined venue in London, as the two sides have come to terms well within the 30-day deadline from when the matchup was formally ordered earlier this month.

The development confirms a breaking news report from Levi Luna of TN8 TV (Toda Nicaragua) revealing that a deal was reached for what figures to be a classic boxer versus puncher matchup.

Edwards (18-0, 4 KOs) will make the third defense of the IBF title he claimed last April 30 at York Hall in Bethnal Green, roughly an hour northeast of his Croydon hometown. Each of his two title defenses have taken place in Dubai, outpointing undefeated mandatory challenger Jayson Mama last December 11 and former title challenger Muhammad Waseem on March 19 in his most recent performance.

For his next adventure, the 26-year-old South Londoner sought a unificati0n bout with reigning WBC titlist Julio Cesar Martinez (18-2, 14 KOs; 2 NC), and was prepared to travel to Mexico if necessary for the fight. The two sides tentatively agreed to terms back in July, with a targeted fight date of October 22 in play either in Mexico or England. However, Edwards’ side never received a fight contract from Matchroom Boxing, Martinez’s co-promoter. The IBF gave the matter until September 7 before moving forward with its plans to call for a mandatory title defense.

Nicaragua’s Alvarado (38-2, 33 KOs) previously held the IBF junior flyweight title for more than three years, dating back to his October 2018 knockout win over Randy Petalcorin on the road in Pasay City, Philippines. His title reign was slowed by the pandemic, injuries and opponent withdrawals, just making two title defenses along with taking a late non-title fight last August 14 in Frisco, Texas, on the same show as twin brother Rene who failed to regain his WBA junior lightweight title in a second straight defeat to Roger Gutierrez.

The twins also shared a card last January 2, with Felix stopping Deejay Kriel in the tenth round of a title defense while Rene lost his belt to Gutierrez in their thrilling twelve-round affair.

Alvarado’s own inability to secure unification bouts led to his vacating the IBF 108-pound title earlier this year. The move was made in exchange for a favorable flyweight ranking as to immediately enter a title fight. One fight has thus far come of his 2022 campaign, a fourth-round knockout of Luis Cerrito Hernandez on May 21 at home in Managua, Nicaragua. He was due to take a stay busy bout earlier this month in Miami but was pulled once the title fight was put into play.

Fightnews.com® spoke directly with Alvarado and his manager William Ramirez (Wram Boxing), who confirmed the fight.

How excited were you when received the news of this official fight date?
I was pleased that it came together quite quickly. I am very content and motivated for this fight.

How much different is it for you physically having moved up one división from 108?
I feel so much stronger. It was not the easiest to make 108 but I am professional and made the weight. I feel much faster as well now that I dont have to lose that additional 4 pounds.

What have you seen while watching footage on Edwards?
Sunny has good hand speed and knows how to maintain distance.

What do you feel will be key to disrupting his rhythm of fighting?
I have to not let him get into his rhythm and apply effective pressure while cutting off the ring.

Do you feel if you dominate over 12 rounds that you can earn a decision victory?
I am not going into this fight thinking about winning by decisión although I am very well conditioned to go 12 rounds if necessary. I have been on the losing side of a decison as the visiting fighter in a world title fight. I do not want to experience that again.

How has your preparation been now that the fight is about 6 weeks away?
I have actually been training for weeks already in Miami at the Moro Boxing Gym. Special thanks to owner and trainer Osmiri “Moro” Fernandez. I got some quality sparring there. I will go to Nicaragua to complete my training camp.

What would it mean for you to become a two-division world champion?
It was always a dream of mine to become a world champion. I achieved that goal but once one achieves a goal you can set your sights on the next. My manager William Ramirez has been there for me and believed in me. For that, I am very grateful to him. A victory over Sunny will be important for my dreams, future and Nicaragua.

* * *

Manager William Ramirez added, “I am so happy for Felix. He never complained while waiting out the process for this opportunity. He will enter this fight well prepared to return home a two-division world champion.”

Sunny Edwards: No Room For Error Against a Fighter Like Felix Alvarado

Edwards said: “I have become one of the most avoided fighters in world boxing, but Felix Alvarado has the courage to face me on November 11, and that makes him an extremely dangerous opponent.

“I have grand plans to become the undisputed flyweight world champion, and then move through the weights, and I am totally confident that will happen - but there is no room for error against a fighter of Alvarado’s caliber, that’s for sure.”

Alvarado said: “I am ready for this fight against Sunny Edwards, and I want to thank God for allowing me the opportunity to achieve my dream of becoming a two-weight world champion.”

Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, said: “Pound-for-pound, Sunny Edwards is one of the most skilled fighters on the planet and on November 11, you will get to see ‘Showtime’ perform at his very best.

“Sunny also has the type of personality and charisma that makes him a must-see attraction in boxing and Probellum is thrilled to be able to deliver this world title defense, and special fight card, to his adopted hometown of Sheffield.”

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑11 Oct 2022, 12:31

I wonder if Olympic Gold medalist Hebert Conceição regrets signing with Probellum….

What a Nonce thing to say..






Wtf.

He’s getting a bit of heat in the comments.

Sunny ‘Prince Andrew’ Edwards

Honestly I thought Charlie was annoying..

Wee Sunny is a legend the way he gets the digital thugs riled up.

What an asshole

Fight Week!

Sunny Edwards blasts JC Martinez

IBF flyweight champion Sunny Edwards insists Julio Cesar Martinez deserved to be stripped of his WBC title the second he walked away from their unification fight. Edwards and Martinez were deep into negotiations to stage an IBF/WBC unificaton fight in Mexico last month, but Martinez instead agreed to face his mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo in December. Edwards will now defend his belt against former 108lb champion Felix Alvarado on Friday night at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England.

“Martinez is not a rival of mine, he’s a muppet,” said Edwards. “I saw him as easy work, but I was trying to sell it as being my hardest fight to date. The WBC title should be vacant, and it should be on the line for me and Alvarado on November 11. Martinez was paying step-aside money, to an overdue mandatory challenger, and then pulled out of the fight.

“Whoever is advising Martinez has told him to stay a million miles away from Sunny Edwards. He has avoided me like the plague. And, for me, Martinez is done in the division now.”

Edwards now wants to land a big-time fight with Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez in 2023, who is returning to the flyweight division after holding the WBC super flyweight title.

https://www.fite.tv/watch/probellum-edw ... ado/2pc8q/

Lord of the flyweights Sunny Edwards defends his IBF title against Felix Alvarado on an exceptional night of boxing in Sheffield.

Edwards headlines Probellum’s debut show in the Steel City on Friday, November 11 at the Sheffield Utilita Arena.

Some decent Friday night action. Assuming this is another YouTube job

This might be boxrec least interested topic among members involving a world title fight in Britain including the females fights

Manchester Hitman wrote: ↑07 Nov 2022, 13:42 Some decent Friday night action. Assuming this is another YouTube job

will be free on FITE

https://www.fite.tv/watch/probellum-edw ... ado/2pc8q/

Link above.

Unsure if they will have on youtube as well.

Glass Joe wrote: ↑07 Nov 2022, 13:44 This might be boxrec least interested topic among members involving a world title fight in Britain including the females fights

I hear people big up Sunny, saying he does well for the small weights, sells tickets etc. I can agree he is a top boxer though.

Don't think he sells shit.. His recent defences have been in Dubai.

I wonder how busy they’ll be for this. Sheffield can be quite tough if there aren’t fights that people care about. It’s a good show too with a decent co-main.

I still wonder how long they can go on doing shows like this in the U.K. I’ve seen near zero promotion for it, minimal TV income (from the U.K. at least) and I’d imagine not a great deal at the gate either.

Bateson will sell a few. Looking at the seating plan, not many others will. And it’s very cheap.

mickey1975 wrote: ↑07 Nov 2022, 15:43 Bateson will sell a few. Looking at the seating plan, not many others will. And it’s very cheap.

Yeah - I saw the line up and thought Bateson’s the only one that will take a few with him. What’s the cheapest ticket price?