In a poignant turn of events, Sunny Edwards, the former IBF flyweight champion, has announced his retirement from professional boxing following a devastating sixth-round TKO loss to Galal Yafai at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England. The fight, which took place on November 30, marked a significant moment in Edwards’ career, concluding his journey in the sport at just 28 years old.
Sunny Edwards announces he is retiring from boxing.
What a career it has been 👏#EdwardsYafai pic.twitter.com/32FIyADg2P
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) November 30, 2024
Edwards entered the ring with a record of 21 wins and 1 loss, hoping to reclaim his status after a previous defeat to Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez. However, from the opening bell, it was clear that Yafai (9-0, 7 KOs) was determined to assert his dominance. The Olympic gold medalist came out aggressively, pinning Edwards against the ropes and unleashing a barrage of punches that left the former champion struggling to find his footing.
By the fifth round, Edwards appeared visibly worn down, unable to mount an effective response as Yafai continued to press the action. The referee ultimately stepped in during the sixth round after Edwards suffered a flurry of unanswered blows, signaling the end of the contest at 1:10 into the round. This decisive victory not only earned Yafai the WBC interim flyweight title but also served as a harsh reality check for Edwards.
A Heartfelt Confession
What made this fight particularly notable was Edwards’ mid-fight confession to his corner: “I don’t want to be here.” This chilling statement highlighted not only his physical struggles but also his mental state as he faced a formidable opponent. It echoed sentiments he had expressed in previous fights, revealing a fighter grappling with motivation and self-doubt. Following the bout, Edwards candidly admitted that he no longer possessed the same passion for boxing that had driven him in earlier years.
Edwards leaves behind an impressive legacy as one of boxing’s most technically gifted fighters. His reign as IBF world champion included four successful defenses and showcased his skills against some of the best in the division. Despite ending on a somber note with two losses in his last three fights, his contributions to boxing will not soon be forgotten.
Yafai’s respectful acknowledgment of Edward’s post-fight further underscores the respect within the boxing community. “Sunny is a great champion,” Yafai stated. “I had to train my hardest for him because I knew how skilled he was.” This sentiment reflects not only Yafai’s appreciation for Edwards’ achievements but also highlights how fighters often grow and learn from their rivals.
As Sunny Edwards steps away from the ring, fans and analysts alike will reflect on what could have been had he regained his championship form. His retirement opens up opportunities for emerging talents in the flyweight division while also serving as a reminder of the physical toll that boxing can take on its athletes.
While Sunny Edwards may have exited the ring for good, his impact on boxing through both his skill and candid reflections on mental health—will resonate within the sport for years to come. As he embarks on this new chapter away from competitive fighting, one hopes that he finds fulfillment beyond boxing’s ropes and continues to inspire future generations through his story.
