IBF flyweight champion Sunny ‘Showtime’ Edwards 20-0 (4) says he is firing on all cylinders more than two months out from his highly anticipated bout against WBO counterpart Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez 18-0 (11) at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona on December 16.
The 27-year-old Brit will enter the ring as the underdog against southpaw Rodriguez, 23. The San Antonio, Texas native is one of the hottest properties in the lighter weight classes following wins over Carlos Cuadras, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Israel Gonzalez and Cristian Gonzalez in world title fights in the past two years.
Edwards says he is no fazed by the fact that many fans and pundits expect him to lose.
“The best night of my career to date was when I beat Moruti Mthalane and I was perceived to be the underdog,” Edwards said at a special Matchroom in the Community event at Sheffield’s Firth Park Boxing Academy on Thursday.
“I showed then that I don’t care to be seen that way. I think it’s the same going in against Bam and I’m fine with that because believe me, my friends are going to have a tidy Christmas.
“I’m extremely confident in any ring I get in. I know the position I am in and what I am operating in right now. Even before my recent 10-day media tour, I was on a two-week training camp in Tenerife, sparring every other day for 12 or 14 rounds, so I’m absolutely flying.
“As soon as I was back in the gym in Sheffield this week, I was back to 10-rounds. My weight is perfect, my camp is going great and I can’t see my opponent even being ready. I’ll be there and I’ll be 100%.”
Edwards sees himself as a role model and says giving back and inspiring young people is part of his job.
“I love coming to these events and giving back to the community,” Edwards said. “Last week I helped re-open the Lynn AC in London and this week I’m up here in Sheffield. There are places like this all over the world.
“The more space they have, the more kids they’d get in here and off the streets. We all start our journey at gyms like this. Obviously, I remember for myself at their age when I was starting out in London. So it’s great to give back and see the next generation coming through.”
Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith added: “It’s fantastic to visit gyms like this across the country and see all the good things they are doing for local communities.
“You can see what it means to the youngsters whenever we turn up and we’re proud to be able to support clubs like we do.
“Last week, we reopened Britain’s oldest amateur boxing club and we have many more exciting plans in the pipeline to offer our help to gyms up and down the country.”
