Sunny Edwards and Galal Yafai settle their differences at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham this Saturday, with the interim WBC flyweight title the prize on offer to the winner.
DAZN televise Edwards vs Yafai live worldwide, while Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom promote the bill.
Edwards (21-1, 4 KOs) comes into this one as the boxer rather than the puncher.
‘Showtime’ took the IBF world title in April 2021 with a masterclass against Moruti Mthalane and defended four times before he came unstuck against the gifted Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez in December 2023 in an attempt to unify, as the WBO champion dominated before forcing him to retire after nine rounds.
The 28-year-old was last out in June, taking a wide technical decision win against Adrian Curiel, with the bout stopped due to a cut sustained by the Croydon native.
2020 Olympic Gold medalist Yafai (8-0, 6 KOs) has been fast-tracked for world honours, and his professional debut was a 10 rounder, where he stopped Carlos Bautista to take the WBC International title.
The 31-year-old southpaw has since defended that belt five times and Yafai has built on his momentum with two wins this year, stopping Agustin Gauto in eight in April, before warming up for Edwards with a third round stoppage of Sergio Oroczo Oliva in September.
Prediction: This is a clash that has simmered nicely, but I think it comes at the right time for Yafai. A heavier puncher than Edwards, he can grind the Londoner down for a stoppage win down the stretch.
Conway clashes with Kelly
The vacant Commonwealth middleweight title is up for grabs on the undercard, and Kieron Conway (21-3-1, 6 KOs), who is on a run of three straight wins since losing a decision to Austin ‘Ammo’ WIlliams in 2022, should have too much for former Midlands Area champion, Ryan Kelly (19-4-1, 8 KOs).
Prediction: Conway can take the title clearly on the scorecards.
Vuong faces Gwynne
Cameron Vuong (6-0, 3 KOs) gets a step-up in class, and he is likely to be tested by former British, Commonwealth and European champion Gavin Gwynne (17-3-1, 5 KOs).
Prediction: Vuong’s youth and speed should see him prevail on points.
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Walker meets Ritson
A crossroads clash at welterweight sees Conah Walker take on Lewis Ritson (23-4, 13 KOs) over 10 rounds.
Walker (13-3-1, 5 KOs) defeated Cyrus Pattinson last year, and went the distance with Lewis Crocker last time out, losing narrowly.
Ritson’s best days came at lightweight, and he has lost three of his last five outings, the most recent a ninth round stoppage to Paddy Donovan.
Prediction: Walker can win this one inside schedule.
Smith returns
Callum Smith fights for the first time since defeat to Artur Beterbiev when he meets Carlos Galvan over eight rounds.
Smith was stopped in seven rounds by Beterbiev, in January and should return to winning ways against Galvan, who has suffered stoppage defeats to the likes of Caleb Plant and current unified middleweight champion, Janibek Alimkhanuly.
Prediction: Smith can secure an early stoppage.
Remaining Undercard
The final 10 rounder is at light heavyweight, where Troy Jones (11-0, 6 KOs) can defend his English title with a points win against Michael Stephenson (9-2).
In the other scheduled eight rounder, Hamza Uddin (2-0, 1 KO) should outscore Benn Norman (7-5) in their flyweight meeting.
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In six round action, Aaron Bowen (3-0, 2 KOs) can halt James Todd (4-3-2) at middleweight, and at super featherweight, Ibraheem Sulaimaan (5-0, 3 KOs) should outscore Marvin Solano (24-20, 8 KOs).
Super middleweight debutant Taylor Bevan should start with an early win against Greg O’Neill (7-8-1, 1 KO).
