IBF World flyweight champion, Sunny Edwards, is to make the third defense of his title against Felix Alvarado on the 11th of November in London. The contest is mandatory defense ordered by the IBF following victories over previous mandatory challenger Jayson Mama last December 11 and former title challenger Muhammad Waseem on March 19 in his most recent performance. His two previous defenses have came in Dubai and the contest is set to be promoted by Probellum at a venue in London which is yet to be confirmed.
Marmite figure Edwards who is undefeated as a professional has been seeking for a unification with WBC titlist Julio Cesar Martinez of whom Sunny has been seeking a clash with for a long time. Martinez was controversially given a no-contest following a fight with Charlie Edwards in 2019 challenging for the WBC crown in London, following a punch to Edwards whilst he took a knee. The verdict was originally given in favour of Martinez before emotional protests from Charlie, Eddie Hearn, Coach Grant Smith and an emotionally upset Sunny to WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán who then overturned original result in the ring which completely disregarded the rules of the British Boxing Board of Control. Since then, Sunny has seeked a bout with Martinez and has confronted promoter of Martinez, Eddie Hearn with a tentative agreement but a contract failed to materialize.
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.
