SUNNY Edwards defeated Adrian Curiel by ninth round technical decision in Phoenix. Boxing for the first time since Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez's first loss to him, Sunny was tasked with building the hype for Bam's fight with Juan Francisco Estrada.
That's not all, though Edwards was victorious and appeared to win most of the rounds, using his full box of tricks (a taste that many have discovered) to beat Curiel every time before a sixth cut finally led. on early cards in the ninth round.
Shifting early, Edwards used those aforementioned trademark moves, sliding around the southpaw Curiel, sinking his shots from various angles. The pro-Mexican spectators did not appreciate Sunny's approach. Edward no doubt blocked that, he was almost happy with their growing anger.
June 29, 2024; Phoenix, AZ; Sunny Edward and Adrian Curiel during their fight at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel/Boxing News
Curiel directed a small butt at his opponent as Edwards danced and joked around the end of the fourth. Before the incident, Mark Nelson urged both men to watch their heads following a minor brawl in the third round. It was a stunning command from the veteran official as Curiel's cranium opened a terrifying gash on Sunny's forehead in the sixth round.
They continued until nine o'clock, when the doctor took a closer look at the wound, calling time to play. While the frenzied crowd eagerly awaited Estrada and Bam to engage in battle, the judges were more sympathetic to Sunny Edwards' performance, awarding the Croydon man a comeback victory by scores of 90-82 (Victor Loughlin), 88-84 (Omar. Mintun Sr) and and an odd 87-85 from Chris Wilson who must have found something to his liking from Curiel.
Since becoming a champion in 2016, Edwards is now 21-1 with only four KOs. Although he is no puncher, he has developed a successful style that wins fights. Curiel, who has built a portfolio of evidence that shows he belongs at this level, was unable to attack effectively and fell to 24-6-1 with only five KOs.
June 29, 2024; Phoenix, AZ; Sunny Edward and Adrian Curiel during their fight at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel/Boxing News
“I don't expect anything better when I come to America, I thought I was pretty clear,” said Edwards, referring to his previous experience Stateside, as the crowd booed his answers.
“I wish the war was still going on now. I felt free. I was sailing. Galal Yafai, I am ready.”
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