In what can only be described as an intense and emotionally charged flyweight showdown, Galal Yafai triumphed over Sunny Edwards, securing his place in boxing’s spotlight. After the fight, all parties involved reflected on the memorable night and the future of flyweight boxing.

Galal Yafai: “I’m Proud of My Performance”

Galal Yafai stepped into the ring with the weight of expectation on his shoulders. From the moment the bell rang, it was clear that Yafai had come to prove himself. In the first round, his fast pace immediately put Edwards on the backfoot, a strategy that would define the early stages of the fight.

“I felt comfortable from the start. I was confident,” Yafai said, referring to his high-energy opening. “I knew I was coming for this. I knew this was my time.”

Yafai’s early aggression was a key factor in Edwards struggling to get into his rhythm, with many commentators noting that Edwards seemed to lack the fire he is known for. Yafai was quick to express respect for Edwards, acknowledging his past accomplishments, but also making it clear that he was ready to take over the division.

“I’ve looked up to Sunny for a long time. He’s been a world champion, and tonight I proved it was my time,” Yafai said, a reflection of his maturity in the ring. “I felt worried during camp, and I think it showed in my performance. I wanted this, and I showed that tonight.”

The 30-year-old now looks ahead to a future filled with potential. As Yafai begins his rise in the flyweight ranks, he has set his sights on further success, with a potential clash with the current world champion, Junto Nakatani, on the horizon. Yafai’s confidence and determination suggest this is only the beginning.

Sunny Edwards: “My Body Couldn’t Keep Up”

On the other side of the ring, Sunny Edwards’ camp was emotionally charged after a difficult defeat. Edwards, who has been a fixture in the flyweight division for years, admitted that this fight was tougher than he anticipated. From the first few seconds, Edwards seemed unable to cope with Yafai’s pace, and despite his skills, he struggled to mount a consistent offense.

After the fight, Edwards shared his feelings of disappointment, explaining the physical toll his boxing career had taken on him. “I’ve been at this for almost 20 years, and my body is falling apart,” Edwards said, touching on the injuries he had battled through in recent camps. “I couldn’t get through the last few camps without a bad wrist, bad hand, bad shoulder. It’s been hard.”

Despite his struggles, Edwards expressed gratitude for his career and the opportunities boxing had given him. “I’ve loved every moment of it, but tonight, it just wasn’t meant to be.”

He also shared a more intimate thought: “Before the fight, I knew this could be my last. Win, lose, or draw, I was ready to retire tonight.” With injuries piling up and his body not responding as it once did, Edwards left the ring with mixed emotions, unsure if he would fight again but certain that boxing had shaped his life in ways he couldn’t ignore.

Eddie Hearn: “The Sky’s the Limit for Galal”

Eddie Hearn, who promoted the event, was full of praise for both fighters, but especially for Galal Yafai, whose performance left no doubt about his place in the flyweight conversation.

Hearn reflected on Yafai’s growth, stating, “Galal’s performance tonight was fantastic. He’s a real threat in this division, and I think he’s just getting started.”

While Yafai was certainly the night’s star, Hearn took time to reflect on Edwards’ legacy and the role he’s played in the development of the flyweight division. “Sunny has been an incredible champion, and if this is his last fight, he’ll be remembered for his contributions to British boxing, particularly in the flyweight division.”

Looking ahead, Hearn confirmed that Yafai’s next steps would likely involve a world title shot. “The natural progression is for Galal to face the full world champion, and we expect him to be ordered to fight for the title soon. He’s got the momentum now, and we’ll ensure he’s ready for whatever comes next.”

Looking Ahead

While the night ended in Yafai’s favor, both men’s careers are far from over. For Yafai, the future looks bright, with many opportunities ahead. For Edwards, while the future is uncertain, his past accomplishments have cemented his legacy in the sport. The flyweight division has been thrilling for years, and with new champions like Yafai emerging, it’s clear that the excitement is far from over.

In the end, the night was a testament to the heart, determination, and skill of both fighters. The legacy of both Edwards and Yafai will continue to shape British boxing for years to come.