Sunny Edwards vs. Galal Yafai: Birmingham Barnburner 

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, he is still relatively green regarding the paid ranks, whereas Sunny Edwards has fought and defeated many 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. His only real weakness is his lack of power. Edwards’s 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 avoid getting trapped on the ropes or corners will be an important key for Sunny Edwards.

On the other side of the 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. He can sometimes reach with his punches, leaving openings to be countered, especially with a right hand.

On a 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 push the pace to an extent. Don’t get me wrong, generally speaking, the fights are billed as chess matches. The action can sometimes 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 in the second half of the fight.

Unless Yafai scores hard punches that land in a perfect spot on the head or body, this fight will go the distance. However you see the outcome, the best bet is a decision. The fact that 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.

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