Edwards outlasts Mama to retain flyweight title at Probellum Revolution in Dubai

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sunny Edwards successfully retained his IBF flyweight title at Probellum Revolution in Dubai on Saturday night.

The action-packed card was held in front of a huge crowd at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, and was broadcasted to millions of fans across the globe, with the very best fighters from around the world on display.

Some of the biggest names from the world of boxing were in attendance, including Roy Jones Jr, Michael Buffer, Regis Prograis, and new Probellum signings Pat and Luke McCormack, along with celebrities such as Abdu Rozik and Adam Saleh.

The main event saw Edwards put on a masterclass to defeat Jayson Mama, while the card also saw victories for the likes of Bakhodir Jalolov, Jono Carroll, Anthony de Bruijn plus many more.

Edwards once again displayed his elite boxing skills as he defeated Jayson Mama to make the first defence of his IBF flyweight title.

Edwards (17-0, 4 knockouts) was a level above throughout the fight, even overcoming a nasty cut early into the contest that could have potentially caused an issue.

The 25-year-old ensured that wouldn't be the case though, dominating proceedings and putting the exclamation point on the performance by dropping Mama (16-1, 9 knockouts) in round 10.

Mama lasted the distance, but there was only one winner in the end, with all three judges scoring it heavily in the favour of Edwards, as he extended his unbeaten record in style.

"In the second round my right eye was completely covered in blood at one point, but I'm a warrior and came through it," said Edwards. Mama is a great fighter and a great contender, and I'm sure his time will come in the future.”

There was a controversial ending between Donnie Nietes and Norbelto Jimenez as the two men fought to a split draw after 10 rounds of action.

Four-weight world champion Nietes (43-1-6, 23 knockouts) and challenger Jimenez (30-9-6, 16 knockouts) both gave it their all in the contest, with each fighter getting the advantage over the other at various points in the contest.

After 10 hard-fought rounds, confusion struck as Jimenez thought it was a 12-round contest, but it was only scheduled for 10, and the fight headed to the scorecards.

The judges couldn't split the two men, with scores of 96-94 Nietes, 96-94 Jimenez, and 95-95 meaning the bout ended in a draw, with Nietes keeping hold of his International Super-Flyweight belt in the process.

Heavyweight sensation and Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Jalolov once again displayed his incredible knockout power as he wiped out Julio Cesar Calimeno inside the very first round.

Jalolov (9-0, 9 knockouts) was back in action for the first time since winning the gold medal in the super-heavyweight division at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics this summer, returning to the paid ranks to take on Calimeno (4-2, 4 knockouts).

He didn't waste any time though, landing a huge left hand that sent Calimeno to the canvas. He couldn't get up before the referee's count of 10, handing Uzbekistan hero Jalolov the superb victory.

Jono Carroll moved a step closer to another world title shot after picking up a second round stoppage win over Aelio Mesquita.

De Bruijn was victorious after a back and forth battle with Diego Valiterra, coming out on top thanks to a six-round majority decision win.

The bout was serving as the float fight on the bill, and both men took full advantage of their opportunity to shine in front of a big stage, as de Bruijn (11-0-1, 6 knockouts) got the better of the early rounds.

Valtierra (6-5, 2 knockouts) came back into the fight as it progressed, having success of his own and making it an entertaining affair, but de Bruijn managed to see out the fight and deservedly got his hand raised.

Other fighters on the card to taste success include Irishman Jono Carroll, Dubai-based Anthony de Bruijn and Emiratis Sultan Al Nuaimi and Fahad Al Bloushi.