PHOENIX, AZ — Sunny Edwards found himself on the winning side in the greater Phoenix area this time, outboxing Adrian Curiel in a flyweight bout at the Footprint Center, home of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. The fight was stopped at the start of the ninth round due to a severe cut over Edwards’ right eyelid caused by a headbutt, leading to a technical decision. Edwards (21-1, 4 KOs) won by scores of 90-82, 88-84, and a controversial 87-85.
The victory came six months after Edwards was stopped by Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (19-0, 12 KOs) in nearby Glendale, Arizona. Reflecting on his Arizona experiences, Edwards told DAZN’s Chris Mannix, “I managed to leave Arizona uglier than I came twice in a row. I apologize to the fans who wanted more.”
Both fighters entered the bout following stoppage defeats. Edwards lost his IBF flyweight title to Rodriguez in their unification bout, ending his reign of over three years. Curiel (24-6-1, 5 KOs), who shocked Sivenathi Nontshinga to win the IBF 108 title only to lose it in their rematch, moved up to flyweight for this opportunity but found himself outmatched.
Edwards controlled the fight from the start, boxing masterfully from both conventional and southpaw stances. He utilized a sharp jab and powerful straight punches, reducing Curiel to a plodding pace. Despite frequent clinches and fouls, including an intentional headbutt by Curiel after the fourth round, Edwards maintained control.
The fight grew rougher, culminating in a headbutt in the sixth round that left Edwards with a severe cut over his right eyebrow. Blood poured down his face, but Edwards fought through it. Despite Curiel’s attempts to pressure Edwards in the later rounds, the British boxer landed the flashier combinations and more telling blows.
At the start of the ninth round, the ringside physician deemed Edwards unfit to continue due to the cut, and the fight went to the scorecards. The closer-than-expected scores didn’t reflect Edwards’ dominance, prompting him to comment, “I don’t expect any favors when I come to America. I thought I won every round, I gave him one round maybe.”
This win marks Edwards’ first victory since defending his IBF flyweight title last June. With all divisional belts currently spoken for, his next fight could be against 2020 Olympic Gold medalist Galal Yafai (7-0, 5 KOs), whom Edwards beat in the amateurs. “I’ve signed the fight,” Edwards stated. “Galal, I’m ready. I think I’m the biggest name in the flyweight division.”
Edwards-Curiel served as the chief support to Rodriguez’s challenge of RING/WBC 115-pound champion Juan Francisco Estrada (44-3, 28 KOs).