Flyweight standout Sunny Edwards has opened up about the "relief" he felt upon announcing his retirement following a sixth-round stoppage loss to Galal Yafai in November. The 28-year-old, once considered the world’s leading fighter at 112 pounds, revealed that he entered the bout already planning to hang up the gloves - regardless of the outcome.
Despite criticism for telling his trainer, Chris Williams, in between rounds that he didn’t "want to be in there," Edwards makes no excuses. "Once I’d done it [retired], I genuinely felt relieved," he said. "It should have felt more heartbreaking, and it just wasn’t." He also admits he’d been fighting through a laundry list of injuries, including eye issues, a fractured orbital bone, and chronic arm and shoulder problems.
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As much as the physical toll weighed on him, Edwards says missing out on family moments - like his son’s nativity play - further convinced him the "juice wasn’t worth the squeeze." Looking ahead, he intends to stay in the sport as a commentator, manager, or possibly even a trainer, stating, "I’m not going anywhere…I think part of it is my body. My body’s really taken the enjoyment and belief out of myself."
Edwards leaves the ring with a stellar résumé, highlighted by a world title reign and early-career promise that placed him atop the flyweight division. Though his final fight ended in defeat, he appears content with his decision. "I felt relieved," he said.
Sunny Edwards's career path? Learn more here.
Image Credit: Sky Sports