Photo from Probellum
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino pugilist Jayson Mama failed to grab his first world title, losing to IBF flyweight champion Sunny Edwards via unanimous decision at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai Sunday.
Edwards, who was making his first title defense, showed his class against Mama, overcoming a nasty cut early in the fight and eventually earning the nod from all three of the judges, 117-110, 118-109, 118-109.
The Londoner then dropped Mama in the 10th but the Filipino, who was fighting in just his third bout outside the Philippines, was able to go the distance albeit in a losing effort.
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“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.”
Edwards, who bumped his perfect record to 17-0, added that he’s also looking forward to taking on WBC champion Julio Cesar Martinez for a unification match and also getting a crack at The Ring Magazine belt.
“I came here to fight Mama, and I did that and prepared hard and trained diligently, but I want to be in the big fights now. I want the Ring Magazine and WBC belt. That was my mandatory, and now I want Julio Cesar Martinez. I’m coming!”
Mama, who dropped to a 16-1 card, was apologetic after the bout but vowed to come back stronger.
“To all of my fellow countrymen, thank you for supporting me,” said Mama.” I’m sorry I didn’t get the win, I did my best but it wasn’t enough. Sunny Edwards is a great champion and a talented boxer.”
“He’s smart and fast, but next time I will come back stronger. I promise you all I will go back to the Philippines and train hard for the next opportunity.”
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Donnie Nietes managed to retain his WBO International super flyweight title after settling for a split draw with Norbelto Jimenez in their 10-rounder match.
Confusion, however, muddled the match as Jimenez thought that there would be two more rounds and was initially surprised that the fight would go to the scorecards after the 10th.
The back-and-forth between the two men produced no clear winner as the judges scored it 96-94 Nietes, 96-94 Jimenez, and 95-95 allowing the Filipino to keep his strap.
“I felt I controlled it from the first round, then in the seventh round he was running around the ring,” said Nietes (43-1-6). “I noticed that he fights really dirty. I’m 39-years-old, and the key to this game is discipline.”
Jimenez was vehemently surprised with the decision and said that Nietes will have to face him again in the future.
“I feel all the crowd know that I should have been the winner,” said Jimenez (30-9-6). “The fight was meant to be 12 rounds and they put it down two rounds because they don’t trust their fighter. If Nietes wants to win a world title, then he has to face me again.”