The flyweight division is one that has been blown wide open following Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez’s move up to 115lbs earlier this year, with plenty of men hoping to become the new poster boy at 112lbs. However, the United Kingdom has a serious contender who could overcome some of the biggest names at the weight and there is every chance that a world title shot is around the corner.
‘Bam’ dropped down from super-flyweight in 2023 to defeat Cristian Gonzalez for the WBO flyweight crown and become a two-division world champion before a high-profile showdown with Sunny Edwards saw him become the unified WBO & IBF title-holder, as well as a recognised pound-for-pound talent.
However, Rodriguez moved back up in weight after he stopped Edwards and now reigns as the WBC super-flyweight champion.
As for his previous belts at flyweight, Angel Ayala knocked out Dave Apolinario to pick up the vacant IBF strap back in August, whilst well-respected Anthony Olascuaga halted Riku Kano in just his eighth professional contest to become WBO champion.
Alongside Ayala and Olascuaga as flyweight champions are Japanese duo Kenshiro Teraji (WBC) and Seigo Yurki Akui (WBA) in a division where it is unclear who the supreme talent may be.
Yet, it is not just the champions who are eyeing up unifications, with Sunny Edwards now well and truly back in the mix after his WBO ranking has been updated, being placed as the number one contender four months after his technical-decision win over Adrien Curiel got him back into the winning column.
Although, despite receiving a favourable world ranking, ‘Showtime’ would be wise to not look beyond his upcoming showdown with amateur rival and Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medallist, Galal Yafai.
Edwards-Yafai takes place on November 30th in Birmingham for the vacant WBC interim title, topping a bill that features a salivating welterweight battle between Conah Walker and Lewis Ritson, as well as an intriguing step-up for amateur standout Cameron Vuong – who fights former British and European lightweight champion Gavin Gwynne.
Boxing Social is now on WhatsApp! Join our channel by clicking here and getting all the latest boxing news direct to your phone.