Sunny Edwards preserved his unbeaten record on his terms.

The reigning IBF flyweight titlist enjoyed his second successful title defense following a twelve-round, unanimous decision victory over Pakistan’s Muhammad Waseem. Scores of 115-111, 115-111 and 116-110 all landed in favor of Edwards in their Fubo Sports Network-televised main event Saturday at Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Edwards—who is based out of Croydon, London—spent the entire buildup dismissive not only of Waseem’s chances but of his place as a challenger to his flyweight title. The supremely confident and gifted 26-year-old boxer physically expressed his disregard of Waseem with an aggressive approach in the opening round. Edwards was urged by his trainer to slow down to a degree, reminded that there remained eleven more rounds to impose his will.

Waseem hit his stride in round two, going punch for punch with the quicker Edwards and reminding the defending champion of his pace as a well-deserved contender. Edwards continued to switch between orthodox and southpaw stance, looking for opportunities to land with counter hooks.

A clash of heads caused a cut just outside of Waseem’s left eye, providing the 34-year-old Pakistani challenger with a sense of urgency. Edwards found himself pinned on the ropes, dodging or blocking most of the incoming but momentarily unable to return fire as Waseem went on the attack.

Edwards worked his combinations in round four, particularly effective with his right hand at long range. Waseem suffered a second cut outside of his right eyelid, the blood streaming along the side of his face as he was warned for frequent clinching and roughhousing on the inside.

Waseem spent much of round five charging forward, twice pinning Edwards on the ropes. Edwards displayed superior defense and counterpunching skills on both occasions, picking off most of Waseem’s power shots and connecting with right hooks upstairs. Waseem targeted Edwards’ body but left himself open for counter rights.

Edwards was forced to contend with frequent holding by Waseem, though the matter was dealt with in round six. Referee Benny Decroos ordered the judges to deduct a point from Waseem’s scorecard after the latest infraction midway through round six. Waseem also lost a point for charging in with his head in round seven, with Edwards turning away in frustration after the top of Waseem’s head connected with Edwards’ nose.

Waseem’s corner urged their charge to work the body of Edwards, confident that it would not only slow down the unbeaten titlist but lead to a stoppage. Waseem heeded the advice, landing right hands and left hooks downstairs and then coming back up top with right hands at close range in round eight. Edwards took the shots well, coming back with a right hand. The final 0:30 of the round saw a spirited exchange, with Edwards once again trapped on the ropes and Waseem beating him to the punch.

Edwards boxed his way down the stretch, using lateral movement to stunt Waseem’s offensive attack. A mobile Edwards managed to catch Waseem with a left hook on the move. Waseem spent much of round ten charging forward but unable to mount an offensive attack as Edwards was already moving out of position, establishing desired range and connecting with left hooks and right hands from the outside.

Waseem was told under no uncertain terms that he needed a knockout entering the twelfth and final round. Edwards was instructed to box his way to the finish line, though questioning why he couldn’t go for the stoppage. The undefeated champion ultimately took the advice of head trainer Grant Smith, spending the final round outside of the effective punching range of Waseem.

Edwards (18-0, 4KOs) remains at or at least near the top of the flyweight division, surging to that level following a twelve-round decision win over Moruti Mthalane to win the IBF belt last April. Mthalane was responsible for the first career loss of Waseem (12-2, 8KOs), whose four-fight win streak comes to a close.

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for krikya360.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox