British Asian boxer Khalid ‘Kal’ Yafai became the first world champion from Birmingham and will defend his WBA super Flyweight crown for the first time in his hometown. His defence will be scheduled for the 14th May 2017 but the opponent is yet to be decided.
After beating Panama’s Luis Concepcion by Unanimous decision in Manchester, Yafai says; ‘it’s a dream come true to be world champion and the first one from Birmingham makes it even more sweet.’
Yafai is still unbeaten with a record of 21 fights, 21 wins and 0 losses and he vows to keep dominating as he eyes the ‘big hitters’ in his division; ‘I want to prove that i can mix with all the top guys in the division and i need to kick start my rein in style in May.’
Not only would this feel good coming from Birmingham but to be an Asian world champion and to dominate as a world champion along with greats like Amir Khan and ‘prince’ Naseem Hamed. While still only 27, Yafai will look to embed his name in boxing history as a great, British Asian boxer, just like Khan and Prince Naseem.
However it will not be plain sailing with the immense talent surrounding the Flyweight division, Yafai will have to overcome top, top contenders and pound for pound bests such as the unbeaten; Roman Gonzalez. Gonzalez is a four weight world champion and the current WBC super Flyweight champion, but Yafai will stand up to any challenge as he said; ‘He is a brilliant fighter and pound for pound number one, but i don’t fear any fighter and although there is big risks in this fight i believe with the right experience under me leading into a possible fight with Gonzalez, i can beat him.’
