Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez v Sunny Edwards: Briton's corner stop unification fight at end of ninth round

Despite the disappointment in defeat, this can still be considered a breakout fight for Edwards. His rise through the ranks was low-key, having won the IBF title back in 2021 to little fanfare.

"I'm bitterly disappointed, but grateful to be in the main event," he said. "Flyweight boxers, we don't get this.

"I'll be back. Boxing is all I've got. Just a bit disappointed my eye went so early on. But, yes, no excuses from me."

Promoter Eddie Hearn added: "Sunny will get stick because he's so outspoken but I also think he's going to win a lot of fans tonight with that bravery on both sides of the Atlantic."

In a contest between boxing's two most talented flyweights, Rodriguez demonstrated just why he is considered one of the most exciting pound-for-pound fighters in boxing.

At just 23, he is already a two-weight champion and is now a unified world champion at flyweight.

"Everyone was saying I'm a hype job, talking a lot of trash on social media," he said.

The face-off between the two fighters at Thursday's news conference lasted a staggering seven minutes, but there was plenty of mutual respect post-fight.

Rodriguez visited Edwards' dressing room while the former champion was receiving stiches to his eyes.

"I'd love to get some sparring in with you," Edwards told Rodriguez as the pair exchanged pleasantries.

Rodriguez is now seeking a return to super-flyweight to challenge Mexico's WBC champion Juan Francisco Estrada.

For Edwards, there is an opportunity to become a two-time world champion if he continues at flyweight.

Ukrainian Artem Dalakian is the WBA champion but the more lucrative contest - and with the potential of an exciting build-up - would be against Julio Cesar Martinez.

The Mexican faced Edwards' brother Charlie in 2019 - and was originally been awarded a knockout victory. But it was then ruled a no contest, with Martinez judged to have landed a punch while his opponent was on the floor.

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