LOSING to a fighter of Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez’s calibre carries no shame. Refusing to wallow in misery, Sunny Edwards gets back on the world-level horse tonight in a flyweight 12-rounder against Adrian Curiel.
Curiel’s moment in the sun was brief but beaming as he scorched Sivenathi Nontshinga for the IBF light-flyweight title before losing an immediate rematch by stoppage. He has now jumped up four pounds to try his luck against a slippery southpaw.
While Sunny may not be part of the main event attraction, like he was in Glendale last December, he remains a key player at 112 pounds and feels like he has something to prove.
“I might have more of a chip on my shoulder,” said Edwards. “I think I’ve lost a bit of complacency that I was getting, the main difference of my mindset into the fight, since I was a world champion, I lost the fear and gained an ego.”
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 16: Sunny Edwards of Great Britain looks on after being defeated by Jesse Rodriguez of the United States during their IBF and WBO world flyweight title fight at Desert Diamond Arena on December 16, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Losing the fear led to losing his undefeated record and has now led him back to the only place he wants to be: in the ring, under the spotlights and scrutiny of a demanding sport.
“There’s no other way or place I’d rather be spending my time. So, regardless of the setbacks, regardless of the losses, regardless of the naysayers and the obstacles that come my way, I’m going to still be making the most out of my boxing career,” Edwards told Boxing News.
“I think I’ve got a great opportunity on the 29th of June on a massive platform, a fantastic card that’s also very relevant to my career. Obviously, Bam and Estrada is a tremendous fight for the division and for world boxing, period.”