Kal Yafai Looking To Show and Prove
On February 29, at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, Khalid Yafai (26-0, 15 KOs) will embark on what is no doubt the toughest challenge of his career. He will he defends the WBA Super Flyweight belt for the sixth time against former 4-time, 4-division world champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (48-2, 40 KOs).
While understanding the significant task ahead, the 30-year-old from Birmingham, England is excited at the opportunity to make a statement, as he explained during a sit-down interview with Sky Sports.
“It’s a fight that I’ve been wanting for a long time. Fighting a huge name, a former pound for pound king. Can’t get any bigger than that.
I can’t wait for it. His engine, his punch selection, his combinations, his punching power, his speed – what’s not to love about Chocolatito? He’s all action and I’m sure he will make for a great fight.”
Some view the 32-year-old Gonzalez on the downside of his career prime following consecutive defeats to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in 2017. However, the future Hall of Famer from Managua, Nicaragua is more than capable of turning back the clock to the form that had many pundits hailing him the best Pound for Pound fighter in the sport.
Undefeated and a world champion for over two years, Yafai has drawn just as much critique as praise over his last two outings. A controversial win over Israel Gonzalez in November 2018 and less than stellar victory over Norbelto Jimenez in June 2019 has many feeling he is a level below the likes of fellow 115-pound WBC Champion Juan Francisco Estrada and IBF world titleholder Jerwin Ancajas.
So given that backdrop and who he’s fighting, the stakes are at a career-high for the defending champ. Having long called for a big-name, significant fight, he is getting his wish. Now is the time for him to show and prove he is an elite fighter and silence the doubters.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
