Official: Galal Yafai’s Next Opponent Announced

It’s official: Galal Yafai (9-0, 7 KOs), the WBC interim flyweight champion (112 lbs / 50.8 kg), will face Francisco Rodriguez (39-6-1, 27 KOs) of Mexico in his next bout.

The fight sets up a high-stakes clash between two experienced 32-year-olds, with the winner expected to become the mandatory challenger for the full WBC world title currently held by Japanese champion Kenshiro Teraji.

Yafai had a standout 2024 campaign, scoring three consecutive stoppage victories, including a sensational knockout over former champion Sunny Edwards.

Rodriguez also fought three times in 2023, picking up two wins by KO, though his most recent bout was ruled a no contest.