Sunny Edwards: 'I'm like listening to a classic symphony, I could be one of the best ever'

Sunny Edwards talks as impressively as he boxes. Which should actually be pretty difficult.

The undefeated IBF flyweight champion is engaging and erudite, speaking in certainties that bely his still-tender years. Edwards turned 26 only a couple months back, but there is a confidence that comes from a life dedicated to the sweet science – the Londoner took up boxing aged nine - and an unblemished professional CV that reads 17 victories from 17 bouts.

Last April, Edwards handed two-time champion Moruti Mthalane a first defeat in close to 13 years to capture the world title. He then defended it with distinction in Dubai in December, dominating Jayson Mama on points.

On Saturday, Edwards puts the belt on the line once more, headlining a second successive Probellum event in the emirate, when he takes on long-time rival Muhammad Waseem at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Victory in this genuine grudge match will not be enough. Edwards, who typically triumphs clear on judges’ scorecards – 13 of his 17 wins have gone the distance - is out to make a statement.

“Yeah, of course,” he tells The National. “Any relatively exciting fight that I'm in is refreshing, because it's typically quite boring, seeing someone get in the ring, and for 36 minutes school someone, and just not really get caught. And that's been typical pattern on most of my fights.

“Typically, people are back and forward, back and forward, not sitting there. When they watch me, it's like listening to a classic symphony. It's just, you see the bits of drama in it, but you know where it's going. You know that the music is not going to come out and attack you. You know it's not going to change rhythm too much. That's what it's like watching me.

“But I get in my