Galal Yafai retired Sunny Edwards with a stunning sixth-round stoppage Saturday to capture the WBC interim flyweight title at the BP Pulse Live arena in Yafai's hometown of Birmingham, England.
A 2020 Olympic champion, Yafai (9-0, 7 KOs) was punch-perfect in victory, fighting at a frenetic pace and letting the former IBF champion know he was right in front of him at all times. Edwards (21-2, 4 KOs) is known for his masterful movement, but Yafai didn't let him breathe for a single second after the opening bell rang.
It started with a right hook that Yafai connected within the first few seconds of the opening round. Edwards was hurt from the very first punch he took, and when Yafai realized it, he pounced.
In the second round, Edwards knew he had to earn Yafai's respect, so he traded with his longtime rival for the better part of a minute. Yafai caught clean shots from Edwards but didn't flinch.
Edwards went back to his corner knowing that he was a beaten man.
Yafai proceeded to pummel Edwards round after round, hurting him multiple times on the way, until the referee compassionately stopped the bout and saved Edwards from further punishment in the sixth.
"If I'm perfectly, perfectly honest, win, lose or draw — my team knows this — win, lose or draw, I was retiring tonight," Edwards said. "I don't have the same energy that I had for this sport — for the process. I'll be perfectly real. I put so much in for the first six, seven years of my career that I just needed a break. I needed a break really before this fight, but I always want to compete with the best, and whilst I was the No. 1, I wanted to involved in the biggest fights, the biggest events.
"But I knew — I knew — I said the whole way that it was going to be hard tonight, but the Sunny Edwards from 12 months ago would've gone longer than 12 months ago. I'll be real."
Winning the Olympics is often considered the pinnacle of boxing, but Yafai, 31, insisted post-fight that he felt greater satisfaction from his win over Edwards than when he claimed gold in Tokyo in 2021.
Edwards and Yafai's rivalry dates back to the amateurs, where Edwards won a split decision over Yafai almost a decade ago. Despite that, Yafai was picked to represent Team Great Britain at major international tournaments, much to Edwards' dismay. Yafai went on to prove those decision-makers correct, including his current coach Rob McCracken, by winning the 2020 Games.
With his victory Saturday, Yafai is now the WBC interim flyweight champion as well as the mandatory challenger to WBC flyweight king Kenshiro Teraji.
Full Edwards vs. Yafai results and round-by-round updates of the main card can be found below.
Main Card
Flyweight: Sunny Edwards def. Galal Yafai via sixth-round TKO | Watch video
Welterweight: Conah Walker def. Lewis Ritson via unanimous decision (98-93, 97-93, 97-93)
Middleweight: Kieron Conway def. Ryan Kelly via split decision (116-112 Conway, 115-114 Kelly, 115-113 Conway)
Super Lightweight: Cameron Vuong def. Gavin Gwynne via unanimous decision (97-94, 96-95, 96-94)
Flyweight: Hamza Uddin def. Benn Norman via points (59-56)
Prelims
Light Heavyweight: Troy Jones def. Michael Stephenson via unanimous decision (98-91, 98-91, 97-93)
Middleweight: Aaron Bowen def. James Todd via fifth-round KO | Watch video
Super Featherweight: Ibraheem Sulaimaan def. Marvin Solano via second-round TKO | Watch video
Super Middleweight: Taylor Bevan def. Greg O'Neill via second-round TKO | Watch video
Light Heavyweight: Callum Smith def. Carlos Galvan via fifth-round TKO | Watch video
LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER57 updates
Darshan Desai
Edwards announces retirement!
Sunny Edwards has officially announced his retirement from boxing in the ring after his dominant loss to Galal Yafai.
IT's ALL OVER! Galal Yafai stops Sunny Edwards in round six to win the WBC interim flyweight title. A tremendous performance from Yafai, who entered the contest as an underdog. He put a beating on Edwards from the first bell to the last in a world-level fight.
Darshan Desai
Edwards vs. Yafai - Round 5
Another round of punishment for Edwards, the corner seems to suggest that there is something wrong with his legs. The former world champion doesn't look like the fighter we're used to seeing outbox tough opponents round after round. Yafai still hasn't slowed down.
10-9 Yafai, 50-45 Yafai
Darshan Desai
Edwards vs. Yafai - Round 4
Yafai is putting a beatdown on Edwards. Edwards is forced on the backfoot and on the ropes for the majority of the round. Yafai just doesn't respect the power. Edwards is taking a lot of punishment, if it carries on like this, it might be stopped.
10-9 Yafai, 40-36 Yafai
Darshan Desai
Edwards vs. Yafai - Round 3
Yafai is fighting at a frenetic pace, not giving Edwards' a single seconds rest. Edwards seems really uncomfortable in the ring. Yafai has taken control of this fight, and hurt Edwards in every round.
10-9 Yafai, 30-27 Yafai
Darshan Desai
Edwards vs. Yafai - Round 2
WHAT A ROUND! Yafai and Edwards were trading non-stop in the final 90 seconds. Yafai got the better of it though, that style of fight suits him more and he is a bigger puncher. Yafai having success again with the right hook, and the overhand left seemed to do some damage at the end of round 2.
10-9 Yafai, 20-18 Yafai
Darshan Desai
Edwards vs. Yafai - Round 1
Yafai HURTS Edwards with a right hook in the opening 10 seconds. Yafai is following him all around the ring, a big left hand from the former Olympic champion connects. Strong opening round for the marginal underdog, Yafai.
10-9 Yafai
Darshan Desai
Walker beats Ritson via UD
Conah Walker returns to winning ways with a clear unanimous decision (98-93, 97-93, 97-93) victory over the former British and Commonwealth champion Lewis Ritson.
Walker will now be targeting the Lewis Crocker-Paddy Donovan winner, while Ritson should seriously consider retirement.
Darshan Desai
Walker vs. Ritson - Round 10
Right uppercut, left hook from Ritson knocks the head back of Walker. It's followed by another right uppercut. There is still life in Ritson. He doubles up with a left hook and follows it up with a right hand. Walker was HURT there. What a round for Ritson. Another left hook, Walker has neglected defence in the tenth. It won't be enough to win Ritson the fight, but he finishes strong.
10-9 Ritson, 98-92 Walker
Darshan Desai
Walker vs. Ritson - Round 9
Ritson connects with a heavy left hook on Walker. Walker is warned by the referee for low blows as he firmly targets the torso area. Walker has been in control throughout but never managed to trouble Ritson massively.
10-9 Walker, 89-82 Walker
Darshan Desai
Walker vs. Ritson - Round 8
Walker and Ritson traded leather for the majority of the final minute in one corner of the ring. Walker got the better of it, however, Ritson managed to stay out of the way of any damaging punches. Walker tried to change angles with the left hook, but Ritson is too crafty to not see that move coming.
10-9 Walker, 79-73 Walker
Darshan Desai
Walker vs. Ritson - Round 7
Ritson had a better round in the 7th off the back of his left jab. Quieter round for Walker, who wasn't pushing the pace as much.
10-9 Ritson, 69-64 Walker
Darshan Desai
Walker vs. Ritson - Round 6
The referee was forced to take a closer look as Walker started to unload and Ritson wasn't firing back. The Newcastle veteran responds with a firm jab, and that is enough for Mark Lyson to step back.
10-9 Walker, 60-54 Walker
Darshan Desai
Walker vs. Ritson - Round 5
A right hand from Walker early in round 5 pushes Ritson's head back. Ritson has his best moment, perhaps in the entire fight, a four-punch combination with at least two connects. One of the few times Ritson has let his hands go. Walker wastes no time in responding though, as he puts together a flurry while Ritson is on the ropes.
10-9 Walker, 50-45 Walker
Darshan Desai
Walker vs. Ritson - Round 4
Lack of offensive display from Ritson. A fighter that fans got behind due to his aggressive style is boxing very differently in the latter stages of his career. Walker is pushing the pace and letting his hands go, Ritson is searching for the odd counter.
10-9 Walker, 40-36 Walker
Darshan Desai
Walker vs. Ritson - Round 3
The crowd erupted in cheers as Walker flurried on Ritson; Ritson covered up on the ropes. Nothing significant landed, but Walker's large fanbase enjoyed that attack.
10-9 Walker, 30-27 Walker
Darshan Desai
Walker vs. Ritson - Round 2
Back to the body with a right-hand goes Walker, followed up by a combination that was partially blocked by Ritson. Right uppercut from Walker broke through the guard, Ritson misses with a counter left hook as Walker aims for the body again, this time starting with a left hook.
10-9 Walker, 20-18 Walker
Darshan Desai
Walker vs. Ritson - Round 1
Walker sinks in a right hand to the body late in the opening round, the shot seemed to trouble Ritson momentarily. Left hook from Walker in the final few seconds, followed by an overhand right. Ritson responds with his own right hand just as the bell goes. Good start for Walker who is applying pressure on Ritson and punching in bunches.
10-9 Walker
Darshan Desai
Chief support: Walker vs. Ritson
Wolverhampton welterweight Conah Walker (13-3-1, 5 KOs), who probably commands the strongest individual support in the crowd tonight, looks to return to winning ways when he goes up against Newcastle's Lewis Ritson (23-4, 13 KOs).
Walker was last in action in June, when he lost a close decision to Lewis Crocker. Ritson suffered a stoppage defeat at the hands of Paddy Donovan in May. Crocker and Donovan are expected to share the ring in early 2025.
Darshan Desai
Now it's Gamal Yafai and Charlie Edwards getting at it in the changing room!
Kieron Conway edges a split decision (116-112 Conway, 115-114 Kelly, 115-113 Conway) over Ryan Kelly to win the Commonwealth middleweight title in their all-Midlands battle.
Conway will now hope to fight for the British middleweight title currently held by Brad Pauls, who defends his strap next week against Denzel Bentley.
Darshan Desai
Backstage drama between Kal Yafai and Sunny Edwards
🗣️ “I know deep down you don’t like your brother” 👀 @iam_yafai
This fight has become very repetitive and one-paced. Both boxers attempt the same attacks over and over, and as soon as they are up close, one or both of them initiate a clinch. There's been very little to separate Conway and Kelly in the championship rounds, the scorecards will be interesting.
Conway and Kelly decide to let their hands go in the last 20 seconds of round 12, a little too late.
Final score: 116-114 Conway
Darshan Desai
Conway vs. Kelly - Round 9
Conway landed with a combination at the midway point and did some good inside work afterwards. Kelly is not as aggressive as he was early on, and Conway is starting to look more dominant in the rounds.
10-9 Conway, 88-85 Conway
Darshan Desai
Conway vs. Kelly - Rounds 7-8
Very little action in the 7th and 8th rounds. Conway as the physically stronger man should be pushing the pace and moving forward, but he does the complete opposite. Conway is too cautious to let his hands go, or risk being caught big by Kelly, which makes for a dull fight.
10-9 Conway (Rounds 7 and 8), 78-76 Conway
Darshan Desai
Conway vs. Kelly - Round 6
A jab, right hand, left hook combination from Conway in the final minute was the best connect of the round. Conway had Kelly against the ropes and unleashed with a combination, especially targeting the body, to end the round.
10-9 Conway, 58-58
Darshan Desai
Conway vs. Kelly - Round 5
Tight round. Neither man really landed anything that stood out or was particularly effective. The majority of it was contested at range with Conway working his jab and Kelly attempting to get on the inside and then chop away with that right hand.
10-10, 49-48 Kelly
Darshan Desai
Conway vs. Kelly - Round 4
Conway looks physically much stronger than Kelly, but he isn't really utilising that advantage. Rather, Conway is boxing cautiously behind a jab, looking for the odd power shot. A right hand did connect for Conway, but Kelly was more active in that round.
10-9 Kelly, 39-38 Kelly
Darshan Desai
Conway vs. Kelly - Round 3
Right uppercut, left hook combination from Conway pushes Kelly back and now it's Conway on the front foot. He follows it up with a four-punch combination, most of them blocked. But the momentum in the round has changed now, Conway has become the aggressor and Kelly perhaps needs a moment to regroup. Solid left hook from Conway as the 10-second buzzer rings.
10-9 Conway, 29-29
Darshan Desai
Conway vs. Kelly - Round 2
Both men exchanging left hands early in the second. Conway tries a counter right uppercut, but it just misses. Kelly partially lands with a pair of left hooks to the torso and to the head.
10-9 Kelly, 20-19 Kelly
Darshan Desai
Conway vs. Kelly - Round 1
Tentative opener. Kelly starts out on the front foot, while Conway prefers to flick his jab out on the backfoot. Kelly is attempting to counter Conway's jab with a straight right hand, Conway is bringing his left hand back in time though. Very little of note landing from either.
10-10
Darshan Desai
Next: Conway vs. Kelly
Kieron Conway (21-3-1, 6 KOs) and Ryan Kelly (19-4-1, 8 KOs) clash for the vacant Commonwealth middleweight title.
Darshan Desai
Vuong booed in post-fight interview
The arena booed as Cameron Vuong was announced for his post-fight interview. The overwhelming majority seemed to have Gavin Gwynne as the winner there.
Vuong's promoter, Eddie Hearn, also had Gwynne victorious in the contest and promised Gwynne a rematch.
Darshan Desai
Vuong beats Gwynne via UD
Cameron Vuong takes a unanimous decision (97-94, 96-95, 96-94) over Gavin Gwynne to keep his unbeaten record and "earn" the best win of his career. That decision will certainly be controversial, it is difficult to see Vuong winning that fight.
Darshan Desai
Vuong vs. Gwynne - Round 10
A strong finish from Vuong, who empties the tank to try and retain his unbeaten record, it is unlikely to be enough, though, unless the judges have seen a completely different fight.
10-9 Vuong, 96-94 Gwynne
Darshan Desai
Vuong vs. Gwynne - Round 9
Vuong's best round in a while. The prospect had his best spell in the contest with three consecutive right hands landing on Gwynne.
10-9 Vuong, 87-84 Gwynne
Darshan Desai
Vuong vs. Gwynne - Round 8
There are worried looks in Vuong's corner as he heads out for round 8. He needs a big finish to win this one. This test has come too early for him, Gwynne was more experienced and physically much stronger.
10-9 Gwynne, 78-74 Gwynne
Darshan Desai
Vuong vs. Gwynne - Round 7
Vuong is now being forced to fight Gwynne's fight, the legs aren't as fast as they were early. Quite simply, he hasn't got the arsenal to trade with Gwynne. Looks like an upset could be brewing in Birmingham.
10-9 Gwynne, 68-65 Gwynne
Darshan Desai
Vuong vs. Gwynne - Round 6
Gwynne connects with a right hand early in the sixth, and it's more of the same. Vuong can't deter Gwynne from coming forward due to his lack of power. Vuong is being clearly outworked but still has successes with single shots.
10-9 Gwynne, 58-56 Gwynne
Darshan Desai
Vuong vs. Gwynne - Round 5
Better work for Vuong in the fifth. He started with a sharp 1-2, which connected on Gwynne. There was a peach of a right uppercut at the end of the final minute. Some flashy shots from Vuong in that round.
10-9 Vuong, 48-47 Gwynne
Darshan Desai
Vuong vs. Gwynne - Round 4
Gwynne has some facial damage over his right cheekbone, which has started to pour blood. The Welshman continues with his non-stop pressure, Vuong's shots are coming in singles; he is struggling to keep Gwynne off.
10-9 Gwynne, 39-37 Gwynne
Darshan Desai
Vuong vs. Gwynne - Round 3
Vuong looking for the right uppercut as Gwynne quickens his feet and attempts to close the distance on Vuong. Gwynne throws flurries while Vuong has his back up on the ropes, the punches may not all land but it is bound to leave an impression on the judges.
10-9 Gwynne, 29-28 Gwynne
Darshan Desai
Vuong vs. Gwynne - Round 2
Gwynne increases the intensity and volume of his work in round 2, and Vuong is fighting negatively on the backfoot. Gwynne might've already made a dent in Vuong, which is a worrying sign if you're in the 22-year-old's corner.
10-9 Gwynne, 19-19
Darshan Desai
Vuong vs. Gwynne - Round 1
Vuong controls the opener with his left jab on the backfoot. Gwynne is walking forward, attempting to apply pressure on the 22-year-old Vuong, but he is unable to match the speed at this stage in the fight so it is 'target practice' for Vuong's counter right hand.
10-9 Vuong
Darshan Desai
Next: Vuong vs. Gwynne
Super lightweight prospect Cameron Vuong (6-0, 3 KOs) steps up to face the former European, Commonwealth and British lightweight champion Gavin Gwynne (17-3-1, 5 KOs) over ten rounds.
Darshan Desai
Uddin beats Norman via PTS
Hamza Uddin is awarded a 59-56 points victory over Benn Norman in their six-round flyweight contest.
Darshan Desai
Uddin vs. Norman - Round 6
Uddin catches Norman with a left hook early in the last round, he follows it up with a sustained attack. You can tell how desperate he is to get the finish, Norman will not wilt though. He eats a strong right hand from Uddin and fires back with his own combo, which Uddin manages to get out of the way of with some flash head movement. Good performance from Uddin.
10-9 Uddin. Final score: 60-54 Uddin
Darshan Desai
Uddin vs. Norman - Round 5
Norman is STAGGERED by a left uppercut at the end of the fifth round, but he stays on his feet and continues to exchange with Uddin. It has been a dominant performance from Uddin through 5, but he would like to add the icing on the cake with a stoppage in the final round.
10-9 Uddin, 50-45 Uddin
Darshan Desai
Uddin vs. Norman - Round 4
Another good round for Uddin, who is looking for power shots with the left hook and right uppercut. He perhaps needs a little more variety in his work, he can hurt Norman but it's getting too familiar and predictable for Norman now.