Galal Yafai paid tribute to Sunny Edwards, but admitted victory against his old rival was "sweet" after he secured a sixth-round stoppage victory on Saturday against him.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games champion won the interim WBC flyweight title against the former IBF division king at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham with a masterful performance.
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Yafai and Edwards came through the Team GB ranks together, and have been highly respectful of each other in the weeks leading up to their first professional encounter.
Speaking afterwards, the former was quick to pay tribute to his foe, but also acknowledged that he fully backed himself to deliver despite entering as the underdog.
"All respect to Sunny, he's been the top man in the division," he said. "But I always knew I was coming for that spot. What's sweet is the fact that everyone doubted me.
"Sunny's a tough competitor, but I've sparred him for years. I knew I was the better man, but all respect to him, he's a top fighter. I thought I put him down in the first round.
"I felt comfortable from the get-go, but I had to train hard for Sunny. In all my other fights, I haven't felt worried like I have against Sunny. But tonight, I was on the ball.
"I won Olympic gold, and I was laid back. I think a lot of people underrated me. I felt like I performed tonight and I hope I can perform better in the future."
Yafai will now likely move for a shot at the WBC crown proper, while Edwards announced his retirement from the sport in the ring after the fight was over.
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