Yafai Dismantles Edwards In Six Rounds, Ending A Rivalry And A Career

In an unforgettable night of boxing, Galal Yafai delivered a career-best performance, stopping Sunny Edwards in the sixth round to win the WBC interim flyweight title. Fighting in front of a raucous home crowd at BP Pulse LIVE (formerly known as the NEC) in Birmingham, England, Yafai cemented his place as one of the sport’s rising stars. The victory wasn’t just about a belt; it was about redemption and proving himself on one of the biggest stages of his career.

For Edwards, a former world champion, the fight marked the end of an incredible journey. After the loss, the 28-year-old announced his retirement, citing a lack of passion for the sport that once defined his life.

Yafai’s Career-Defining Win

Saturday night was a long time coming for Yafai. Despite his relatively short professional career—this was only his ninth fight—the 31-year-old came into the bout with an impressive resume, including an Olympic gold medal from the 2021 Tokyo Games. But stepping into the ring with Edwards, widely regarded as one of the most technical fighters in the flyweight division, was a daunting challenge.

Yafai didn’t just rise to the occasion—he dominated it. From the opening bell, he unleashed a relentless attack, overwhelming Edwards with a pace and power the former champion simply couldn’t handle. “Beating Sunny tonight feels even better than winning Olympic gold,” Yafai said afterward, a statement that underscored just how much this win meant to him. “I was worried going into camp because I know how good Sunny is. I trained my heart out for this.”

The fight wasn’t just about the belt for Yafai. It was personal. Nine years ago, as amateurs, Edwards had beaten him on points. This victory, in front of his home fans, was sweet revenge.

How the Fight Unfolded

Yafai started fast, and from the first round, it was clear he had no intention of letting Edwards settle. Throwing a barrage of hooks and body shots, he pushed Edwards back onto the ropes, forcing the south Londoner into survival mode. In the opening moments, Edwards appeared shaky, his knees dipping as he absorbed Yafai’s power. While he avoided going down, the tone for the fight had been set.

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By the third round, Edwards tried to mount a response, landing a few clean shots here and there. But his punches lacked the power to deter Yafai, who kept marching forward. Every time Edwards seemed to create a little space, Yafai was back in his face, smothering him with pressure.

The fourth and fifth rounds saw Edwards pinned against the ropes for long stretches, absorbing heavy punishment. By the sixth, it was clear the fight was slipping away. Yafai, sensing his moment, poured on the pressure with a flurry of unanswered punches. The referee had seen enough, stepping in to stop the bout just over a minute into the round.

Sunny Edwards Bows Out

For Edwards, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, but the writing had been on the wall. After suffering his second defeat in three fights—his first coming against Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez last year in a title unification bout—the southpaw admitted that his heart was no longer in the sport.

“Win, lose, or draw, I was retiring tonight,” Edwards said after the fight. “I don’t have the same fire in my belly anymore. The Sunny Edwards from a year ago might have been able to go longer, but my mind’s just not in it like it used to be.”

Edwards reflected on the sacrifices he made during the early years of his career, saying, “I put everything into my first six or seven years as a pro. But now, I’ve started thinking about things outside of boxing. When you’re not all-in, it shows in the ring—and tonight it did.”

While Edwards’ reign as a world champion and his technical brilliance won’t be forgotten, the south Londoner seemed at peace with his decision. “It’s time for me to take a step back and figure out what’s next in life,” he said.

A Rivalry Settled

The fight had an added layer of tension due to the history between the two fighters. Edwards and Yafai’s amateur careers had been intertwined, with Edwards getting the better of Yafai in a points decision nearly a decade ago. More controversially, Yafai was chosen over Edwards to represent Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics, a decision that Edwards has publicly criticized.

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Saturday’s bout felt like a final chapter in their rivalry, and Yafai emerged as the undisputed victor. “Sunny’s a great fighter. I’ve sparred him before, so I knew how talented he was,” Yafai said. “But fights aren’t sparring. Tonight, I proved who the better man is.”

Source: Sunny Edwards retires after loss

What’s Next for Galal Yafai?

With the interim belt now around his waist, Yafai is poised for even bigger opportunities. His next target is Japan’s Kenshiro Teraji, the reigning WBC world flyweight champion. Teraji, a veteran with 24 wins and 15 knockouts, represents a significant step up, but Yafai seems ready for the challenge.

“This is just the beginning,” Yafai said confidently. “I’ve beaten one of the best in the division. Now, I’m coming for the top spot. I’ll be back in the gym next week preparing for whatever comes next.”

Legacy and New Beginnings

For Edwards, Saturday night may have been a tough ending, but his career remains one to celebrate. A three-year reign as a world champion, multiple title defenses, and a reputation as one of the most technical fighters in the division are accomplishments few can claim. While his final fight didn’t go his way, Edwards leaves the sport with his head held high.

As for Yafai, the win solidifies his place as one of the most exciting fighters in the flyweight division. With his relentless style, Olympic pedigree, and newfound confidence, the Birmingham native has all the tools to become a world champion. Fans will be eagerly watching as Yafai continues his journey to the top.