Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs. Sunny Edwards: Preview & Prediction

Christmas is coming early for boxing fans with a title unification showdown between Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards.

Rodriguez enters the fight as the WBO flyweight champion, while Edwards is the reigning IBF titleholder. The winner of this highly anticipated showdown between the two 112-pound champions will be one step closer to becoming an undisputed champion at flyweight, with Artem Dalakian holding WBA gold and Julio Cesar Martinez laying claim to the WBC title.

A packed house inside the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, awaits Rodriguez and Edwards on Saturday night (December 16). Many expect this one to be a potential late “Fight of the Year” candidate, and for good reason. It’s a special fight for the sport of boxing, which has had a banner year in 2023.

Will “Bam” continue to see his stock rise as one of the most exciting young champions in the sport, or is it Edwards’ time to prove he is the better of the two undefeated stars?

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs. Sunny Edwards Preview

The pressure style of “Bam” against the defense and the awkward angles of Edwards is what has boxing fans salivating. We know by now that Rodriguez has some fantastic body shots and is good at breaking down his opponents. Edwards isn’t known for being a fight finisher, but he is one smooth tactician.

Edwards is slick, and he knows how to evade his opposition. “Bam” has shown he can keep up his forward pressure for all 12 rounds, and I think he’ll keep that pace up for as long as it takes against Edwards. For as crafty as Edwards is, “Bam” has been able to corner all his opponents thanks to landing heavy leather. Part of what will help Rodriguez achieve this will be his seven-inch reach advantage.

As the fight gets into the later rounds, I suspect that Edwards will find himself down on points and not having the punching power to give “Bam” pause as he cuts off the ring and keeps pressuring. I can see Edwards having a rough time swaying the judges, given the difference in the impact of the punches and Rodriguez’s activity.

Jesse Rodriguez vs. Sunny Edwards Prediction

Prediction: Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez via unanimous decision

Fernando Quiles Jr.

Fernando has been covering combat sports and pro wrestling for over a decade. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated’s MMA Knockout, BJPenn.com, and Middle Easy. Fernando is excited to be a part of FightsATW to provide you with the latest news content in the worlds of boxing and wrestling.

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