Galal Yafai meets former champ Francisco Rodriguez! Birmingham can expect a firework display of action – live on DAZN on Saturday!
Olympic champion Galal Yafai (9-0) faces the toughest task of his professional career to date on Saturday: In his home town, the 31-year-old will face former double world champion Francisco Rodriguez Jr. (36-5-1). The fight will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. At the final press conference, both opponents appeared ready to fight – and full of respect. “Rodriguez should be my strongest opponent so far – on paper,” said Yafai. “But hopefully it will be different in the ring.” The Mexican countered confidently: “Yafai has never fought anyone like me. I throw a lot of punches, but with more power.”
Eddie Hearn, promoter of Matchroom, made it clear: “This will be a real war. Yafai against Rodriguez is the kind of fight the fans want – uncompromising, at eye level, full of speed.” The supporting program also has it all: Peter McGrail meets the dangerous Ionut Baluta, who has already defeated two fighters from McGrail’s gym. “I want to beat him – and clearly,” says McGrail. Baluta counters calmly: “On Saturday it will be 3:0 for me against his gym.”
In addition, Conah Walke will fight Liam Taylor for the British and Commonwealth welterweight championship. Up-and-coming talents such as Pat Brown, Aaron Bowen, Giorgio Visioli, Hamza Uddin and Tiah-Mai Ayton will also step into the ring.
Text by Robin Josten