“The Best Fighters Adapt”: Sunny Edwards Remains Wholesome While Breaking Silence on Jesse Rodriguez Loss

Despite starting strong, Sunny Edwards lost his IBF flyweight title and the chance to unify the division in a stoppage loss to the Texan, Jesse Rodriguez. After having sustained significant injuries to his eye, and incurring his career’s first loss, the British Flyweight has broken his silence on what went wrong last night, giving an endearing nod to his opponent’s impressive performance.

Edwards entered the ring amidst boos, relishing the attention by dancing in his corner. However, the bout ended with his opponent flooring him with a straight left hand. His downfall, though, began right in the second round, when Rodriguez’s counter right landed on his right eye, causing an immediate swelling. Later, he admitted to BBC Live Radio 5 that his lack of vision because of the injury and a cut he sustained in round 6 pushed him toward defeat. The fighter has now conceded to his defeat, acknowledging the prowess ‘Bam’ brought with him while making no excuses.

Sunny Edwards Accepts Bam Loss

Covering his injuries under the shade of a black hoodie, Edwards came clean about what he felt regarding the Bam loss to Rob Tebbut in an exclusive conversation. Speaking to Tebbut for Boxing News, ‘Showtime’ said, “Yeah, I mean, I’m very ambitious. I’m a big believer in myself as well. I didn’t really think too much about losing that fight. Obviously, I knew Bam was a great fighter. He’s a great fighter. But you know the hardest challenges are what I’ve always looked for. I guess I found that last night.” 

The loss might have dented his record, and given him scars, but it has hardly fazed his spirit. Acknowledging the stellar performance put forth by Bam, Edwards commented, “Credit to Bam and his team, I think it’s a great performance. So a little bit, it’s unfortunate on my side for how things happened when they happened. But, you know the best fighters adapt and you know Bam came away on the win tonight.”

Despite his loss, the spectators who watched him go down saw the fight he put up against Bam. So did the latter. In the wake of his victory, Bam too came forward in his sportsmanship spirit, acknowledging Edwards’ prowess.

Jesse Rodriguez nods back at Edwards

As the fight elapsed, and he was crowned a two-title winner against Sunny Edwards, Bam retired to the dressing room, where his opponent was getting sewn for the injuries he had sustained. In a respectful nod, he said he would like to spar with Edwards soon. Further, at the post-fight press conference, to a room packed with journalists, Bam noted, “I have great respect for Edwards. He is a tough competitor, a fantastic boxer.”

Also Read: “Yet No Crying”: Fans Come Together to Show Support for Sunny Edwards Following Eye Injury From Jesse Rodriguez Fight

In the ring, a lethal fight ensued, giving fans a run for their money. However, post it, a stunning display of sportsmanship flourished. Both boxers, keeping the animosity they held before the fight aside, praised the skill each brought to the ring. Last night’s clash is a lesson for many boxers to learn from – one is for the quality of the fight they put up, and second, the conduct of a fighter beyond the ring.

What do you think of Sunny Edwards’ performance last night? Let us know in the comments section below.

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