Jesse Rodriguez Vs. Sunny Edwards Breakdown

In a tale of two undefeated flyweight champions, Jesse Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards square off in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

As they enter the ring, Rodriguez is on the cusp of making history. The WBO champion knows a win gives Edwards the first defeat of his career and puts himself as the unified champion, a step closer to being undisputed. He has 18 wins, and 11 of those were by knockout. He grabbed the title after beating Cristian Gonzalez via a unanimous decision.

As for Edwards, the IBF champion makes a fifth defense of his belt. He is undefeated, with a record of 20-0. But that only includes four knockouts, which could prove the difference if it goes to the judges. Coming into the fight, Edwards beat Andres Campos via a unanimous decision. With that being said, here is a breakdown of what fans can expect.

Rodriguez’s Tactics

Bam Rodriguez is a two-division champion known for his angles, punch variety and pressure. His style is similar to that of Chocolatito Gonzalez and Vasiliy Lomachenko. But he faces Edwards, who is a counter-puncher and can switch stances. Rodriguez, who is a southpaw, has many notable strengths.

His positioning allows him to get the upper hand on the outside to let off his combinations and avoid counters by switching angles. [And] his ability to slip and slide and use feints will be essential. His trainer, Robert Garcia, has implemented a pressure style. Rodriguez will cut the ring off and look to attack the inside of the body.

But that will require patience and feints. Edwards does slow down as the fight progresses, as he stands in the pocket to block shots on the inside before responding with uppercuts and his counter hooks. This is where Rodriguez can use his angles to keep Edwards on the move. The Brit does showboat, which may give Rodriguez a chance to use his left hand if Edwards throws his check left hook from the orthodox position.

Edwards’ Tactics

Edwards likes to fight on the inside. But he may have to box from the outside to win this bout. That will keep him out of harm’s way from Rodriguez’s power. Speed, footwork, and lateral movement will be critical to creating those angles to counter the IBO champ. That may throw Rodriguez off, who likes to come forward.

Edwards is threatening when he fights from a southpaw stance, but he does switch. That can get him tagged by a counter-shot. Edwards must get that balance right, as he can frustrate Rodriguez. His jab will be critical to keep Rodriguez at bay, allowing him to set up his punches and control the distance.
This is a technical fight, and Rodriguez is the favorite. But Edwards’ defensive skills will make this an intriguing encounter.

Full Card

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs. Sunny Edwards – For the IBF and WBO flyweight titles

Murodjon. Akhmadaliev vs. Kevin Gonzalez – Super bantamweight

Galal Yafai  vs. Rocco Santomauro – Flyweight

Peter McGrail vs. Jarico O’Quinn – Super bantamweight

Arturo Popoca vs. Carlos Mujica – Super bantamweight

Junaid Boston vs. Gordie Russ II – Light middleweight

Albert Gonzalez vs. Alexis Molina – Featherweight

Joe McGrail vs. Edgar Ortiz Jr. – Featherweight

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