The WBO and IBF flyweight titles will be unified when Jesse Rodriguez faces off against Sunny Edwards in our premier boxing attraction, scheduled for 12 rounds of boxing from the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona this Saturday, December 16.
These undefeated champions collide in a fight that will unify two titles, and propel the winner towards pound-for-pound consideration as the best fighters in the world.
Boxing odds have two-division champion Rodriguez a -200, while undefeated slickster Edwards is right behind him at +155.
Here are my free picks for Rodriguez vs. Edwards from Glendale
Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez vs Sunny Edwards odds
| Method of victory | Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez | Sunny Edwards |
|---|---|---|
| Win outright | -215 | +165 |
| Win by KO/TKO | +475 | +2,000 |
| Win by points or decision | -110 | +175 |
| Draw | +1,800 | +1,800 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of December 16, 2023.
Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez vs Sunny Edwards betting predictions
Picks made on December 16. Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis.
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Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez vs Sunny Edwards boxing prediction and best bet
Prediction: Rodriguez moneyline
If there is any fight that perfectly encapsulates the bull vs. matador example in boxing, it’s this one. Rodriguez is a pressure fighter with underrated footwork, upper body movement, solid fundamentals, and considerable power. Edwards is the master boxer who uses angles, speed, and sublime defense to frustrate his opponents to defeat.
This will be about whether Rodriguez can pin Edwards down long enough to land his big shots, or if Edwards can stay out of harm’s way while landing telling blows of his own. If Edwards can’t flummox Rodriguez, his defense will work against him as the judges may confuse it as retreating.
However, Rodriguez isn’t a crude battler new to the main stage. His superior size, experience, and seven-inch reach advantage could trouble Edwards on the outside. It will be a tricky fight, especially if Rodriguez isn’t fully healed from a broken jaw he suffered in his last fight, but Rodriguez should edge out Edwards.
Prediction: Rodriguez moneyline (-200 at DraftKings)
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Best Bet: Rodriguez to win by decision
Edwards must be tough for Rodriguez to pin down early on, and this should be a range war as Edwards would be beside himself thinking he can outpower Rodriguez on the inside. This fight goes the distance unless Rodriguez wears Edwards down enough to threaten a late stoppage.
I don’t see it. Rodriguez had a hard enough time in his last fight against Cristian Gonzalez, and Edwards figures to be more evasive. Even so, Rodriguez dominated that fight by pressing forward and throwing punches. Gonzalez, similarly feather-fisted as Edwards, couldn’t get in a comfortable position as “Bam” was right on top of him from bell to bell, cutting off the ring and preventing his escape.
Eventually, Edwards needs to plant his feet and look for scoring opportunities. He’ll be forced to do so, unable to work around Rodriguez’s reach, aggression, and underrated movement. That will lead Rodriguez to outwork him in the pocket and secure a decision win.
Prediction: Rodriguez to win by decision (-110 at DraftKings)
Not intended for use in MA.
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Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez vs Sunny Edwards betting preview
Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez
He was 2022’s breakout star and he hopes to end 2023 on a similar high note as a unified world titlist.
The Texan native defeated super flyweight kings Carlos Cuadras and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in his banner year and is coming off a decision win over Gonzalez last April.
Though he intended to face Edwards earlier, a broken jaw in the Gonzalez fight pushed things out further than anticipated.
Sunny Edwards
He defeated Moruti Mthalane in 2021 and has made four defenses of his IBF title. His shifting style makes him a hard man to pin down, frequently switching from
orthodox to southpaw and utilizing a lot of movement. Edwards is the younger brother of Charlie Edwards, who previously held a flyweight title.
Rodriguez has advantages in size, power, reach, and experience, though he’s facing an opponent unlike any in his career thus far, and needs to show a multi-faceted offense to win.
Edwards’ defense and footwork make him hard to hit, but will not do him any favors if he is constantly retreating or not taking any chances.
