Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs Sunny Edwards: Tips, preview and predictions as unbeaten champions clash

After building his reputation without the backing of a major promoter, it was announced in March 2023 that Edwards had signed with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. 

Already a world champion with the IBF, ‘Showtime’ made this move so he could unify at flyweight with two of the division’s other champions already signed to Matchroom. 

First up, the unbeaten Edwards (20-0, four knockouts) travels to away territory this weekend to face Rodriguez (18-0, 11 knockouts) at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The winner of this weekend’s bout will be eyeing another unification contest with WBC champion, Julio Cesar Martinez (20-2-0-2, 15 knockouts). 

Before that, fans could witness a fight of the year contender this weekend between Rodriguez and Edwards, whose styles should blend together beautifully. 

Rodriguez is a vicious puncher at this weight class as he had the power to take out most of his previous opponents. He will face a different test this weekend, though. 

Edwards’ punch power is not his strength, but he has elite boxing IQ and will outbox most of his opponents with relative ease. 

If he is caught by Rodriguez, Edwards will be in trouble. But it will be tough for the home fighter to land anything of substance as the Brit will look to frustrate his opponent while bouncing in and out of the range en route to a one-sided points victory. 

If Edwards is going to win, it will almost definitely be via a point decision, while Rodriguez will likely require a stoppage (or at least a knockdown) to turn the world title unification in his favour. 

Whether it’s a masterclass win for Edwards over the distance or a dramatic stoppage victory for Rodriguez, it’ll be thrilling to watch and these are the level of fights required to keep boxing heading in the right direction. 

Suggested bets 

Sunny Edwards to win on points - 15/8

Jesse Rodriquez to win: Rounds 7-9 - 11/1

Full card

IBF and WBO world flyweight titles
Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs. Sunny Edwards

Super bantamweight contest
Murodjon Akhmadaliev vs. Kevin Gonzalez

Flyweight contest
Galal Yafai  vs. Rocco Santomauro

Super bantamweight contest
Peter McGrail vs. Jarico O'Quinn

Super bantamweight contest
Arturo Popoca vs. Carlos Mujica

Light middleweight contest
Junaid Boston vs. Gordie Russ II

Featherweight contest
Albert Gonzalez vs. Alexis Molina

Featherweight contest
Joe McGrail vs. Edgar Ortiz Jr