FridayOL

Birmingham, UK – The boxing world was left reeling after a stunning upset at the Utilita Arena on Saturday night. Galal Yafai, the British Olympic gold medallist and rising flyweight star, suffered his first professional loss, falling to a points decision against the formidable Francisco Rodriguez Jr.

Fighting in front of a passionate home crowd, Yafai (15-1, 6 KOs) entered the bout as the clear favourite, with many tipping him for a future world title shot. Rodriguez Jr. (17-1, 11 KOs), a highly-rated contender from Mexico, presented a significant challenge, and he proved to be more than up to the task.

The fight itself was a captivating display of skill and grit. Yafai, known for his slick boxing and counter-punching ability, initially dictated the pace, utilising his reach and footwork to control the ring. However, Rodriguez Jr. relentlessly pressured Yafai, landing solid shots and gradually chipping away at his opponent’s confidence.

While Yafai had his moments, landing crisp jabs and showcasing his Olympic pedigree, Rodriguez Jr.’s relentless aggression and body work began to take its toll. The turning point came in the tenth and final round. Rodriguez Jr. landed a powerful combination that sent Yafai stumbling back, forcing the referee to administer a count. Although Yafai recovered, the damage was done.

The judges’ scorecards reflected the close and hard-fought nature of the contest. Two judges scored the fight 95-94 in favour of Rodriguez Jr., while the third scored it 96-93, awarding the Mexican a narrow victory. The result sparked a mixture of disbelief and disappointment amongst the Birmingham faithful.

“It is what it is,” Yafai said after the fight. “He’s a good fighter, and he came and did what he had to do. I’ve got no excuses. I’ll be back stronger.”

For Rodriguez Jr., the victory represents a significant step towards his world title aspirations. His performance demonstrated his resilience, power, and determination, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division. The loss, however, marks a significant setback for Yafai, forcing him to re-evaluate his approach and rebuild his momentum in a competitive division.

The upset victory for Rodriguez Jr. will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the boxing community, prompting discussions about the future of both fighters and the evolving landscape of the flyweight division. Will Yafai bounce back? Can Rodriguez Jr. capitalise on this momentum and challenge for a world title? Only time will tell.