IBF flyweight champion Sunny ‘Showtime’ Edwards 18-0 (4) will defend his title against big punching former IBF junior flyweight champion Felix ‘El Gemelo’ Alvarado 38-2 (33) at the Sheffield Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England on November 11.
The 26-year-old Edwards will be making the third defence of the world title he won against South Africa’s Moruti Mthalane on points in impressive fashion in April last year.
“I have become one of the most avoided fighters in world boxing but Felix Alvarado has the courage to face me on November 11 and that makes him an extremely dangerous opponent,” Edwards said.
“I have grand plans to become the undisputed flyweight world champion and then move through the weights, and I am totally confident that will happen – but there is no room for error against a fighter of Alvarado’s calibre, that’s for sure.”
Nicaraguan Alvarado, 33, won the vacant IBF junior flyweight title again Randy Petalcorin in 2018.
“I am ready for this fight against Sunny Edwards and I want to thank God for allowing me the opportunity to achieve my dream of becoming a two-weight world champion,” Alvarado said.
“Pound-for-pound, Sunny Edwards is one of the most skilled fighters on the planet and on November 11, you will get to see ‘Showtime’ perform at his very best,” said Richard Schaefer, president of Probellum.
“Sunny also has the type of personality and charisma that makes him a must-see attraction in boxing and Probellum is thrilled to be able to deliver this world title defence and special fight card to his adopted hometown of Sheffield.”
In an interview with Fightnews, Alvarado said he was happy at how easy it was to make the fight.
“I was pleased that it came together quite quickly. I am very content and motivated for this fight,” he said.
Alvarado added that the higher weight class will also benefit him.
“I feel so much stronger,” he said. “It was not the easiest to make 108 but I am professional and made the weight. I feel much faster as well now that I don’t have to lose that additional four pounds.”
The key to victory for Alvarado will be closing distance against the slick boxing Edwards and timing him with hard shots.
“Sunny has good hand speed and knows how to maintain distance,” Alvarado said. “I have to not let him get into his rhythm and apply effective pressure while cutting off the ring.
“I am not going into this fight thinking about winning by decision although I am very well conditioned to go 12 rounds if necessary. I have been on the losing side of a decision as the visiting fighter in a world title fight. I do not want to experience that again.”
Manager William Ramirez added: “I am so happy for Felix. He never complained while waiting out the process for this opportunity. He will enter this fight well prepared to return home a two-division world champion.”
