Sunny Edwards will defend his 112-pound title against Felix Alvarado on Nov. 11 in Sheffield, England, the champion's promoter, Probellum, announced on Thursday.
Edwards (18-0, 4 KOs) was in talks for a title unification bout with Julio Cesar Martinez, ESPN's No. 1 flyweight, but no deal was reached. Instead, Edwards will make the third defense of his IBF title against Alvarado, a former champion at 108 pounds.
A 26-year-old from London, Edwards is one of the best defensive fighters in the sport. He's coming off a unanimous decision victory over Muhammad Waseem in March. Edwards is rated No. 3 at 112 pounds by ESPN.
"I have become one of the most avoided fighters in world boxing, but Felix Alvarado has the courage to face me on Nov. 11, and that makes him an extremely dangerous opponent," Edwards said.
"I have grand plans to become the undisputed flyweight world champion, and then move through the weights, and I am totally confident that will happen -- but there is no room for error against a fighter of Alvarado's caliber, that's for sure."
Alvarado, a 33-year-old from Nicaragua, vacated his 108-pound title last year to move up to 112 pounds. Now, Alvarado (38-2, 33 KOs) is receiving his mandated title shot as No. 1 contender after Edwards was unable to reach a deal to unify.
"I am ready for this fight against Sunny Edwards," Alvarado said, "and I want to thank God for allowing me the opportunity to achieve my dream of becoming a two-weight world champion."