Kal Yafai Excited About Possible Unification With Estrada
In boxing, there is an undeniable hierarchy. The more popular weight divisions get all the glory, praise and attention. However, it’s the work horses that keep the wheels moving and the fighters of the lower weight divisions are continuing the grind.
WBA Junior Bantamweight champion Khalid “Kal Yafai” Yafai (26-0, 15ko) has been pressing for a big unification match-up. To date, the target has been WBC Mexican champion Juan “El Gallo” Estrada (40-3, 23ko). It looks as if things are getting close. In a recent interview with IFL TV, the popular British champion expressed excitement about the fight.
“That’s what we’re talking about, the biggest fight in the division. I’m really happy about that.”
“This is what I am in boxing for. I’ve achieved a lot of what I wanted to achieve. I had a great amateur career, I’ve had a great pro career so far.”
“I’ve been a world champion; I’ve had four defenses of my title so far. Now, I’m fighting in the biggest fight possible out there. WBC, WBA, Ring magazine super flyweight titles, it don’t get any bigger than that.”
That’s true at this level of any champion’s career fighting to prove who is truly “The Man” of the division. This will end any and all arguments along with accomplishing major accolades.
The interviewer asked the Yafai if there is a preference whether the fight should be in the UK or US.
“The thing is I’m kind of use to it now (fighting abroad). I haven’t fought here (The UK) for two years. My last fight was in Cardiff in 2017.”
“So, I am kind of used to being on the road.”
Yafai acknowledged his flaws but interjected that everyone has flaws and that stylistically it’s a good fight.
The popular British WBA champion gave some insight on wanting to become undisputed. Particularly, his future plans if it’s not possible.
“These are things I want to do. It depends on how soon these fighters can come. The other champions and promoters, we don’t know.”
“If it can happen in the next year or so, then fair enough. If it takes longer than that, then I’m gonna have to move up and carry on.”
Although becoming undisputed is what every pundit and fans want to see, imagine if the WBA champion does move up. We could see even bigger fights at bantamweight.
There is WBC champion Nordine Oubaali, WBO Zolani Tete and a mega fight with that bad man IBF Naoya “Monster” Inoue. These fights would make the mouth water and most definitely puts bums in the seats.
Before looking too far down the road, lets focus on the current task of making the unification fight with the WBC champion Estrada a top priority.
Although nothing has been officially announced, its good to hear that the goal hasn’t changed.
3kingsboxing will continue to monitor this story for further development
By: Garrisson Bland
