Mobile Home | Desktop Version




Sunny Edwards vs. Galal Yafai: Birmingham Barnburner

By Chris Carlson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 30 Nov 2024




On this Thanksgiving week in America let’s not waste any time getting into the meat and potatoes of this razor close matchup between Sunny Edwards and Galal Yafai. Though Yafai is 31-years of age he is still fairly green when it comes to the paid ranks whereas Sunny Edwards has fought and/or defeated much highly lever foes. On paper this one is a tossup that will stream live on DAZN at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom.

Sunny Edwards is a high IQ, solid all-around boxer with his only real weakness being lack of power. Edwards jab, defense wits, and movement will be needed to win this skill-fest. Sunny will have a huge advantage in experience facing high-level boxers. Though Edwards is short on power he can be a very accurate puncher. Using angles to escape the pocket after landing punches and to avoid getting trapped on the ropes or in the corners will be an important key for Sunny Edwards.

On the other side of main event is a talented fighter in Galal Yafai. Yafai is an Olympic gold medalist and has the potential to have a great pro career. Fighting out of the southpaw stance, Galal is an impressive offensive fighter. Yafai is a fluid puncher with plenty of pop and good hand speed. At times he can reach with his punches leaving openings to be countered, especially with a right hand.

On positive note, Yafai has gone the 10-round distance twice. That said, after winning a close fight against Gohan Garcia this boxing podcaster didn’t see all that much growth in his next 10-rounder versus Rocco Santomauro. Yafai’s best defense is his offense so look for him to be the one that pushes the pace to an extent. Don’t get me wrong, generally speaking the fights billed as chess matches at times the action can be minimal filled with faints and jabs.

Who will land their jab more often is a great question and the answer could go a long way in determining a winner. Sunny will get off to a better start using jab, movement, and defensive skills. What happens when Yafai attempts to come forward and land combinations? One of two things will happen. Sunny will counter Galal and continue to frustrate him. Or Yafai will begin to mount a rally of sorts in the second half of the fight.

Unless Yafai scores hard punches that land in a perfect spot to the head or body, this fight will go the distance. However you see the outcome the best bet is a decision. The fact Yafai likely needed a few fights facing someone who is between a Garcia type level and Edwards does hurt his chances on Saturday. It will be competitive no doubt but Sunny’s ring generalship will get his hand raised after 12-rounds.

My Official Prediction is Sunny Edwards via Majority-Decision.

PODCAST LINK: http://tobtr.com/12386953

Written by Chris Carlson Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast Available at www.blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Chris Carlson.

Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Jake Paul Undergoes Surgery for Broken Jaw Following Knockout Loss to Anthony Joshua
    By Dong Secuya, Sun, 21 Dec 2025
  • Anthony Joshua Drops Jake Paul 4 Times En Route to a 6th Round Stoppage
    By Dong Secuya, Sat, 20 Dec 2025
  • Jean Henri Lhuillier Hails RP Blu Boys’ Golden Triumph at the SEA Games
    By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 20 Dec 2025
  • ACCRA WEIGH-IN RESULTS: RICHARDS AND AZEEZ PREPARE FOR HISTORIC CLASH
    Sat, 20 Dec 2025
  • Two USA Boxing Junior National Champions Invited to Attend Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Bout Friday in Miami
    Sat, 20 Dec 2025
  • Ramon Cardenas Scores One Punch Knockout Over Erik Robles in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s The Contender Series
    Fri, 19 Dec 2025
  • Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Jig Is Up
    By Chris Carlson, Fri, 19 Dec 2025
  • January 31: Rohan Polanco-Christian Gomez Confirmed as Co-Feature to Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan
    Fri, 19 Dec 2025
  • Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua Tip the Scales Ahead of Netflix Heavyweight Spectacle in Miami
    By Dong Secuya, Fri, 19 Dec 2025
  • Suelo rules Thailand chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 19 Dec 2025
  • RICHARDS AND AZEEZ SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AS SOUTH LONDON LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF AT PRESS CONFERENCE IN GHANA
    Fri, 19 Dec 2025
  • Brooklyn’s undefeated Pryce Taylor Called one of top heavyweight prospects in U.S.
    Fri, 19 Dec 2025
  • INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS AS GIORGIO VISOLI OVERCOMES TOUGH JOE HOWARTH – AND TIAH-MAI AYTON WINS AGAIN
    Thu, 18 Dec 2025
  • Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Merry Fistmas’ at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Tomorrow Night at 7 pm ET
    Thu, 18 Dec 2025
  • Undefeated Jose Tito Sanchez Returns to Face Jesus Ramirez Rubio in Super Bantamweight Main Event on Friday
    Thu, 18 Dec 2025