LONDON, SEPTEMBER 29 - Lord of the flyweights Sunny Edwards defends his IBF title against Felix Alvarado on an exceptional night of boxing in Sheffield.
Edwards headlines Probellum’s debut show in the Steel City on Friday, November 11 at the Sheffield Utilita Arena.
And on one of the most exciting cards to be staged in UK boxing this year, unbeaten super bantamweight prospects Jack Bateson and Shabaz Masoud clash in a British title eliminator that fans have been raving about.
Edwards, one of the world’s most skilled and charismatic champions, makes a third defence of his IBF crown against the dynamite-fisted Nicaraguan Alvarado (38-2, 33KOs), a former title holder at the weight below.
And ‘Showtime’ (18-0, 4KOs) knows he must not slip up against his mandatory challenger because a future showdown with US star Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez is on the line.
Sunny Edwards said: “I have become one of the most avoided fighters in world boxing, but Felix Alvarado has the courage to face me on November 11, and that makes him an extremely dangerous opponent.
“I have grand plans to become the undisputed flyweight world champion, and then move through the weights, and I am totally confident that will happen - but there is no room for error against a fighter of Alvarado’s calibre, that’s for sure.”
Felix Alvarado said: “I am ready for this fight against Sunny Edwards, and I want to thank God for allowing me the opportunity to achieve my dream of becoming a two-weight world champion.”
Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, said: “Pound-for-pound, Sunny Edwards is one of the most skilled fighters on the planet and on November 11, you will get to see ‘Showtime’ perform at his very best.
“Sunny also has the type of personality and charisma that makes him a must-see attraction in boxing and Probellum is thrilled to be able to deliver this world title defence, and special fight card, to his adopted hometown of Sheffield.”
Bateson and Masoud have captured the imagination of the British fight fraternity after agreeing to meet so early in their careers.
Boxing fans have grown tired of talented prospects avoiding each other but Leeds hero Bateson (17-0, 4KOs), and Stoke favourite Masoud (10-0, 3KOs), pushed for the fight to be made.
A final eliminator for the British title, the showdown will also see Bateson’s WBA Intercontinental belt on the line in Sheffield, with an army of fans set to travel from the fighters’ hometowns to support their man.
