Kal Yafai defeats Norbelto Jimenez by unanimous decision.
WBA world super flyweight champion Kal Yafai made a fifth successful defense of his title tonight at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.
He defeated Norbelto Jimenez by unanimous decision, with score cards of 119-107, 118-108 and 117-109.
The Breakdown
Yafai started the fight off very strong, intent on making a statement. He was pushing forward behind the jab and landing meaningful punches to both the head and the body.
As early as the second round Jimenez was looking comfortable as the champion was applying steady pressure.
In rounds three and four, Yafai kept up the high work-rate. Jimenez, who has been inactive for the last 12 months, was feeling the pace.
Early in round five, the favorite developed a cut on his forehead. The sight of blood seemed to embolden and inspire Jimenez. He began fighting with a renewed vigor and he did a nice job of pot-shotting the champion.
Yafai thwarted the challenger’s momentum in the sixth, as he made a concerted effort to attack the body. Having been warned earlier in the fight for a low blow, Yafai received a second warning for landing two low blows with 30 seconds to go in the eighth round.
Upon further replay, the blows were not only definitely low, but the champion was lucky he didn’t have a point taken away.
In the championship rounds, Yafai seemed to slow down a bit. His corder let him know about it going into the eleventh round and this sparked a surge for the champ. He kept it going, cementing his victory by knocking down the challenger in the final round.
In the post fight interview, Yafai stated he wanted one of the bigger names for his next bout. He proceeded to call out Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman Gonzalez, Jerwin Ancajas and Kazuto Ioka.
He believes a big-money fight must be next!
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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