Misfortune struck Jayson Mama again in his bid for the world crown.
The Filipino boxer arrived in London on Tuesday, September 7, only to find out his International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title battle with Sunny Edwards on September 11 is off, allegedly because the Briton champion sustained an ankle injury.
The cancellation rekindled Mama’s memory of a similar experience last December when he landed in Durban, South Africa only to learn his title tussle with local icon Moruti Mthalane has been scrapped after organizers failed to meet contract provisions.
While Mama believed the reason while the Mthalane bout got derailed, he doubts the validity of Edwards’ reason for pulling out.
“I’ve trained really hard for this fight. I’ve sacrificed a lot. Me and my team stayed in Dubai for 12 days so we could enter UK just for Edwards to pull out of the fight for an ankle (injury) during fight week,” said Mama.
“He could give medical reports but I don’t believe it. I think he just doesn’t want to fight me because it’s too risky for him.”
Mama and Edwards are both unbeaten after 16 fights, but the pride of Sanman Promotions of General Santos City packs a stronger wallop.
The 24-year-old Mama has knocked out nine, including his last two, while Edwards, 25, has won his last five via unanimous decision and has only four knockouts to show.
Sanman Promotions head JC Manangquil, who is also in London, didn’t hide his disappointment but said Edwards would have to face Mama eventually.
“It’s really frustrating to see a champion pull out of the fight during fight week. Who suffers an ankle injury during fight week while you do light training? No matter what Sunny Edwards does he has to deal with his mandatory challenger Jayson Mama or he can vacate his belt,” said Manangquil.
Informed of the situation, MP (Manny Pacquiao) Promotions president Sean Gibbons couldn’t help but feel sorry for Mama, who actually stepped aside for Edwards to tangle with Mthalane last April.
“I am just gutted for Jayson. He did everything he was supposed to do in preparation for this IBF world title fight,” Gibbons said.
“Under these terrible COVID-19 conditions, he had to jump through hoops just to get to England, and when he lands he is told Sunny Edwards has turned his ankle. I find this to be highly suspect,” he added.
“Jayson is a man of faith and knows his trust in God will make things right and he will be IBF world champion one day soon.”
All Mama could do now is wait again. – Rappler.com
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