Ryan Farrag hits back at Sunny Edwards ahead of their crossroads clash at York Hall this Friday night

Liverpool grafter Ryan Farrag 19-3 (5) says all the pressure is on Sunny ‘Showtime’ Edwards 8-0 (3) ahead of their spiteful clash for the WBO European super flyweight title at York Hall in Bethnal Green live on BoxNation this Friday night.

Reigning titleholder Edwards has been vocal in his criticism of his MTK Global stablemate Farrag, questioning the quality of his victories and labelling him obsessed with his brother.

But Farrag insists his higher quality of opposition will set him up for victory against the outspoken 22-year-old.

“If I win this fight, it’ll boost my career back to where it was before my losses. Hopefully that means fighting for a world title. After this, I’m sure Sunny will get chances too – with him, losing won’t be a big problem,” said Farrag.

With two of Farrag’s three losses coming on points against future world champions Ryan Burnett and Lee Haskins, the 30-year-old Liverpudlian is confident he has what it takes to compete at the highest level – all he needs is the opportunity.

“Since my defeat to Ryan Burnett, who’s now a unified world champion, I haven’t had the opportunity to box a well-ranked fighter,” said Farrag.

“When it comes to Sunny’s achievements, I don’t know much about them. I know he’s won a European title and that’s great, but I had never heard of the guy he won the title off. It’s hard to give him credit when I don’t know much about him.”

Earlier this month Farrag responded to Edwards’ taunts on social media, labelling him immature and saying he’s only putting more pressure on himself to perform.

“Sunny has embarrassed himself on social media in my eyes and shown how immature he is. It’s going to play into my hands on the night,” Farrag said to the NewsLetter.

“I’ve been through it all before – talking rubbish to an opponent ahead of a bout. Sunny is still a kid and he hasn’t boxed anyone close to the level I’ve faced. It’ll be tough for him to keep his head and stay focused on the job.

“There’s pressure on him in his hometown as the champion. He’s said a lot on social media about what he’s going to do. Sunny has put all sorts of pressure on himself to perform and if he runs and holds all night, he’s going to look bad.

“There’s no pressure on me at all.”

The fight will headline a stacked Lee Eaton promoted card from the historic York Hall that also includes world-ranked Michael McKinson against Sam McNess, elite Kazakh amateurs Sultan Zaurbek and Azhbenov Nurtas, Johnny Coyle and more.

“It’s amazing to be headlining a bill at York Hall. It’s such a prestigious venue and so many great boxers have fought there over the years. I lost there as an amateur so it’ll be nice to lay that to rest and leave with a win this time,” said Farrag.

“There are a lot of great fighters on this bill too so it’s a pleasure to share a card with them. The fact it’s live on BoxNation adds to the excitement and I’d like to thank my team MTK Global for getting me this opportunity. I’d also like to thank my gym-mates for making camp so great.”