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Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Galal Yafai vs. Francisco Rodriguez Jr. preview: 'Great fight for the fans, not so good for myself'
The saying goes that comparison is the thief of joy, but you wouldn't know that from the look on Galal Yafai's face this week. The fresh-faced, beaming 32-year-old looked relaxed and composed at his final press conference on Thursday afternoon, edging closer to his 10th outing in a fast-moving professional boxing career. On Saturday night, live on DAZN, Yafai (9-0, 7 KOs) defends his WBC interim flyweight title against the experienced Mexican Francisco Rodriguez Jr. (39-6-1, 27 KOs) in front of a home Birmingham crowd. He does so while eyeing the next step in writing his own history as a fully-fledged world champion. Advertisement Since winning gold at the 2020 Olympic Games, Yafai has been compared to a litany of others in the sport. That list includes his older brothers Kal and Gamal, the stylistic technician that was the now-retired Vasyl Lomachenko, as well as fellow British Olympic gold medalists turned world champions Anthony Joshua and James DeGale. You could argue, easily, that it's a humbling group of fighters to be grouped with, but Yafai seems uninterested in such yardsticks. 'I don't want to be compared with anyone,' Yafai stated upon turning over into the pro ranks in 2022. Thrown into the relative deep end in a 10-rounder for his debut, the similarities between him and Lomachenko started, and they gained momentum when his southpaw style — accompanied by eye-catching front-footed flurries — started paying dividends against a plethora of challengers. 'I don't want to jump the gun too much and put myself in the same brackets as Lomachenko,' he claimed. 'To even be put in them brackets is so humbling, he's an unbelievable fighter that I've watched for years. Advertisement 'When I won the gold medal, I had people telling me I've joined greats who aren't even from Great Britain like Oscar De La Hoya, Pernell Whittaker, Muhammad Ali and all these fighters who have won Olympic gold. I'm not as good as them, but one thing we've all got in common is we're all Olympic champions and that's one thing that will live with me forever.' Fast-forward three years and Yafai is now just two fights away from becoming just the third male Briton to be crowned a world champion after winning an Olympic gold. Japanese star Kenshiro Teraji (25-1, 16 KOs) holds the full title at 112 pounds, and Yafai is targeting a return later this year to Japan — the site of his Olympic triumph — to challenge the champion monikered 'The Amazing Boy.' But Rodriguez Jr. is the man that stands in the way of Yafai and that dream, and Saturday's blend of styles suggests that we could be in for a memorable dust-up between two offensive protagonists. 'He's a great fighter, Rodriguez,' Yafai explained on Thursday. 'Anyone that knows him, he comes forward, I come forward. It should make for a great fight for the fans, not so good for myself and him. Advertisement 'Rodriguez should be my hardest fight, on paper. Let's hope it's not in reality on Saturday. I've had to fight Sunny [Edwards], who was number one with the Ring Magazine, then I've had to fight the WBC number one Rodriguez, and then I'll have to go to Japan probably and fight the pound-for-pound fighter who's got the WBC and WBA belts in Teraji. I've not had it easy, have I?' If Yafai is longing to be recognized by his own achievements in the sport, then a fire-fight victory over Rodriguez this weekend could go some way to laying those foundations. The further down the weight classes you ply your trade, the more pressure that is (unfairly) put on you to make sure you "entertain'" — and Yafai's smooth attacks crafted by heavy hands appear up to the task. He claims not to have had it the easy way, but fighters like Yafai wouldn't want it any other way.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manny Pacquiao faces welterweight champ Mario Barrios, but his real challenge will be time
Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, left, and Mexican-American boxer Mario Barrios face off during the news conference ahead of their July 19 WBC welterweight title fight. (Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images) Mauricio Sulaiman smiled as he recalled the call during which a boxing legend asked him to challenge current welterweight champion Mario Barrios. The president of the World Boxing Council (WBC) did not think about it for a moment and immediately got to work to fulfill the request of the legendary Manny Pacquiao. Advertisement One of the most iconic and respected figures in boxing history is back. "It was a positive call, I told him I wanted to challenge the champion one more time and that I can still fight. He was happy to hear that," Pacquiao told L.A. Times en Español. Manny Pacquiao speaks about his boxing comeback at a news conference in Los Angeles on June 3. (Greg Beacham / Associated Press) Sulaiman fulfilled "PacMan's" wish and his bout against "Aztec Warrior" Barrios will be on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. 'He called me and said, 'Help me fulfill my dream of retiring with the WBC, which was where I started at flyweight,'' Sulaiman said. 'Manny's relationship with the WBC is decades old, we've been in very good times and we've been in difficult times and now that he needs support, we are here for him.' Advertisement Born into poverty in the Philippines, Pacquiao became the only boxer to win world titles in eight different divisions, from flyweight to super welterweight. He defeated Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. His explosive style, speed and charisma made him a global idol, especially in Asia and Latin America. In addition to being world champion in multiple bodies (WBC, WBA, WBO, WBO, IBF), he was recognized as 'Boxer of the Decade' by the Boxing Writers Assn. in 2010 and also developed a political career, becoming a senator in his country, which cemented his status as a national hero in the Philippines. During his career, Pacquiao has suffered eight losses and two draws, but his impressive 62 victories — 39 of them by knockout — earned him a place in the Boxing Hall of Fame. He is being inducted in Canastota, N.Y., on June 8. Read more: Rolando 'Rolly' Romero sends a message of peace to Ryan Garcia: 'Come closer to God' Advertisement The former champion has been welcomed by the boxing world with open arms, but with caution. Pacquiao claims his hand movements are just as quick as in his prime, but at 46, many doubt he is the same as before. In August 2021, Pacquiao lost a unanimous decision to Cuba's Yordenis Ugás in what was then his last fight before retirement. During the fight against Ugás, Pacquiao looked slow, unresponsive and in what seemed to be the twilight of his career. He said several issues caused his problems during the fight, among them, his political career, a lawsuit against him by his former promoter Paradigm Sports Management and muscle ailments that were further inflamed by a pre-fight massage. Pacquiao did say whether he will be around to face more of boxing's stars after his bout with Barrios. Advertisement "I'm still here, one at a time," Pacquiao said. "This is me, if there are changes in my fighting style, I have to listen to my body, my heart and if my mind is also there, then I will know if I'm done." Manny Pacquiao wears the champion's belt after defeating Brandon Rios during their WBO international welterweight title fight on Nov. 24, 2013, in Macau. (Vincent Yu / Associated Press) Since the announcement of his return, many have shown concern for what might happen to him in the ring against a younger and physically fit Barrios. "I appreciate that they are concerned, however, the only people I worry about is my family," Pacquiao said. "How I move, how I train, what kind of condition I'm in, they support me because they can still see the old Manny Pacquiao." Advertisement During his four-year absence from boxing, he was dedicated to his family and his country as a politician, but he said he remained active and in good physical condition, so he feels his return to the ring will not be difficult. 'At my home in the Philippines, I have my own training facility, with a gym, two basketball courts, everything — pickleball, badminton, table tennis,' Pacquiao said. 'Plus, I have a yard in the back of my house that's a kilometer long where I run.' Sixteen years separate Pacquiao and Barrios. Pacquiao made his professional debut in January 1995, Barrios was born just four months later. That bout will pit experience versus youth. Advertisement Read more: Jake Paul and Julio César Chávez Jr. question each other's skills ahead of Anaheim bout Barrios may have more elements in his favor, such as his height, as he stands 6-feet tall while Pacquiao is 5-foot-5. Barrios' reach is 71 inches, while Pacquiao's reach is 67 inches. 'I'm younger, I have youth on my side, he has the experience, but I have to go out there and use all that advantage, my height, my speed, my timing, if I do that I can come out on top.' Although the confirmation of the fight came as a surprise to many, Barrios was mentally prepared for the possibility. He knew that the return of a legend like Pacquiao was not an isolated rumor, but a latent option. Advertisement 'At first, I really couldn't believe it, but I had been told it could happen anytime in 2025,' recounted the San Antonio, Texas native, who has a record of 29 wins, two losses and one draw. "I thought the best thing to do was to be ready, in March I was told it could happen during the summer, then I felt it would definitely happen. He's a legend, he's achieved so much, but at the end of the day, he's a fighter who wants to take my title." Yordenis Ugas punches Manny Pacquiao during a welterweight championship boxing match on Aug. 21, 2021, in Las Vegas. (John Locher / Associated Press) Pacquiao could have chosen a more accessible opponent for his comeback, someone who would allow him to regain his rhythm and confidence. But he chose Barrios, a champion in his prime. 'I don't know if it's an insult or complement,' Barrios reflected. 'The type of fight he brings to the ring is a lot of action, I have to be smart, I shouldn't let him succeed.' Advertisement While he respects Pacquiao's legacy, Barrios is determined to impose his own stamp on a historic evening. He is known for the way he arrives in the ring, accompanied by traditional Aztec dancers, as well as his colorful attire that represents his indigenous roots. Barrios hopes to continue with his traditional entrance, but he said the occasion calls for something special. 'It's going to be a very similar entry, always bringing the ... ancestral strength," Barrios said. "... I'm going to have all that, but we're going to do something even bigger." This article first appeared in Spanish via L.A. Times en Español. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Manny Pacquiao faces welterweight champ Mario Barrios, but his real challenge will be time
Mauricio Sulaiman smiled as he recalled the call during which a boxing legend asked him to challenge current welterweight champion Mario Barrios. The president of the World Boxing Council (WBC) did not think about it for a moment and immediately got to work to fulfill the request of the legendary Manny Pacquiao. One of the most iconic and respected figures in boxing history is back. 'It was a positive call, I told him I wanted to challenge the champion one more time and that I can still fight. He was happy to hear that,' Pacquiao told L.A. Times en Español. Sulaiman fulfilled 'PacMan's' wish and his bout against 'Aztec Warrior' Barrios will be on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. 'He called me and said, 'Help me fulfill my dream of retiring with the WBC, which was where I started at flyweight,'' Sulaiman said. 'Manny's relationship with the WBC is decades old, we've been in very good times and we've been in difficult times and now that he needs support, we are here for him.' Born into poverty in the Philippines, Pacquiao became the only boxer to win world titles in eight different divisions, from flyweight to super welterweight. He defeated Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel Marquez, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. His explosive style, speed and charisma made him a global idol, especially in Asia and Latin America. In addition to being world champion in multiple bodies (WBC, WBA, WBO, WBO, IBF), he was recognized as 'Boxer of the Decade' by the Boxing Writers Assn. in 2010 and also developed a political career, becoming a senator in his country, which cemented his status as a national hero in the Philippines. During his career, Pacquiao has suffered eight losses and two draws, but his impressive 62 victories — 39 of them by knockout — earned him a place in the Boxing Hall of Fame. He is being inducted in Canastota, N.Y., on June 8. The former champion has been welcomed by the boxing world with open arms, but with caution. Pacquiao claims his hand movements are just as quick as in his prime, but at 46, many doubt he is the same as before. In August 2021, Pacquiao lost a unanimous decision to Cuba's Yordenis Ugás in what was then his last fight before retirement. During the fight against Ugás, Pacquiao looked slow, unresponsive and in what seemed to be the twilight of his career. He said several issues caused his problems during the fight, among them, his political career, a lawsuit against him by his former promoter Paradigm Sports Management and muscle ailments that were further inflamed by a pre-fight massage. Pacquiao did say whether he will be around to face more of boxing's stars after his bout with Barrios. 'I'm still here, one at a time,' Pacquiao said. 'This is me, if there are changes in my fighting style, I have to listen to my body, my heart and if my mind is also there, then I will know if I'm done.' Since the announcement of his return, many have shown concern for what might happen to him in the ring against a younger and physically fit Barrios. 'I appreciate that they are concerned, however, the only people I worry about is my family,' Pacquiao said. 'How I move, how I train, what kind of condition I'm in, they support me because they can still see the old Manny Pacquiao.' During his four-year absence from boxing, he was dedicated to his family and his country as a politician, but he said he remained active and in good physical condition, so he feels his return to the ring will not be difficult. 'At my home in the Philippines, I have my own training facility, with a gym, two basketball courts, everything — pickleball, badminton, table tennis,' Pacquiao said. 'Plus, I have a yard in the back of my house that's a kilometer long where I run.' Sixteen years separate Pacquiao and Barrios. Pacquiao made his professional debut in January 1995, Barrios was born just four months later. That bout will pit experience versus youth. Barrios may have more elements in his favor, such as his height, as he stands 6-feet tall while Pacquiao is 5-foot-5. Barrios' reach is 71 inches, while Pacquiao's reach is 67 inches. 'I'm younger, I have youth on my side, he has the experience, but I have to go out there and use all that advantage, my height, my speed, my timing, if I do that I can come out on top.' Although the confirmation of the fight came as a surprise to many, Barrios was mentally prepared for the possibility. He knew that the return of a legend like Pacquiao was not an isolated rumor, but a latent option. 'At first, I really couldn't believe it, but I had been told it could happen anytime in 2025,' recounted the San Antonio, Texas native, who has a record of 29 wins, two losses and one draw. 'I thought the best thing to do was to be ready, in March I was told it could happen during the summer, then I felt it would definitely happen. He's a legend, he's achieved so much, but at the end of the day, he's a fighter who wants to take my title.' Pacquiao could have chosen a more accessible opponent for his comeback, someone who would allow him to regain his rhythm and confidence. But he chose Barrios, a champion in his prime. 'I don't know if it's an insult or complement,' Barrios reflected. 'The type of fight he brings to the ring is a lot of action, I have to be smart, I shouldn't let him succeed.' While he respects Pacquiao's legacy, Barrios is determined to impose his own stamp on a historic evening. He is known for the way he arrives in the ring, accompanied by traditional Aztec dancers, as well as his colorful attire that represents his indigenous roots. Barrios hopes to continue with his traditional entrance, but he said the occasion calls for something special. 'It's going to be a very similar entry, always bringing the ... ancestral strength,' Barrios said. '... I'm going to have all that, but we're going to do something even bigger.' This article first appeared in Spanish via L.A. Times en Español.
The Independent
7 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Five prospects to watch on Yafai vs Rodriguez Jr undercard – including Olympian and ‘world-class' knockout artist
As Galal Yafai continues his charge towards a world title, a new wave of unbeaten prospects is ready to make a statement on Saturday's undercard in Birmingham. While most of the spotlight will fall on Yafai's headlining bout against Francisco Rodriguez Jr – his first defence of the WBC interim flyweight title – the undercard is packed with rising talent eager to follow in his footsteps. Among them: an Olympian, a knockout artist, and a fighter tipped as a future world champion by Eddie Hearn himself. Pat Brown – 1-0 (1 knockout) Like headliner Galal Yafai, cruiserweight Brown represented Team GB at the Olympics, competing in Paris last summer. While he exited in the first round of the heavyweight competition, expectations remain high for the Manchester fighter in the pro ranks. Brown made his debut in March with a fourth-round stoppage of Federico Grandone (7-4-2) and returns on Saturday against Croatia's Ivan Duka (5-5), with another outing already pencilled in for Manchester next month. Backed by Matchroom and close with fellow pro Dave Allen, Brown could be set for a busy 2025. Hamza Uddin – 4-0 (1 KO) Flyweight Uddin was a standout in the amateur ranks and part of the Team GB set-up before choosing to turn professional late last year. Since debuting with a third-round stoppage of Santiago San Eusebio, the 21-year-old British-Bangladeshi has consistently stepped up – fighting opponents with winning records and moving quickly to eight-round bouts. Trained by his father Raj and managed by Sam Jones, Uddin takes on Leandro Jose Blanc (8-2) on Saturday. With Matchroom behind him and home support in the Midlands, he's tipped for a rapid rise. Aaron Bowen – 5-0 (3 KOs) Middleweight Bowen returns to familiar ground on Saturday, fighting in Birmingham where he won Commonwealth bronze in 2022. The Coventry fighter has made a strong start to his pro career, racking up five wins and three knockouts, including stoppages against Wilmer Baron (6-1) and James Todd (4-5-2). Now 26, Bowen has been with Matchroom since turning pro and is steadily building a fanbase in the Midlands. He faces experienced Ukrainian Mykola Vovk (15-7) in his latest step up. Giorgio Visioli – 7-0 (6 KOs) One of the most talked-about prospects on the card, Visioli enters with six knockouts in seven fights and serious momentum. Promoter Hearn has described the super featherweight as 'world class' and predicted he'll be in the British title picture by the end of the year. Listed on The Independent and DAZN's 'Prospects of the Year', the 23-year-old from Aldershot seems unfazed by the growing attention. 'I go into each fight treating it like a world title,' he told BBC Sport. 'All it takes is one punch to derail you.' Visioli takes on Argentina's Elias Federico Duguet (7-1-1) over eight rounds. Ibraheem Sulaimaan – 7-0 (4 KOs) Nicknamed 'The Spider', Birmingham's Sulaimaan continues his steady rise at super-featherweight. The 24-year-old earned his spot on the Matchroom roster after impressing on earlier undercards and has since notched up four stoppages in seven wins.
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Tyson Fury branded 'biggest cheater in boxer' in scathing attack
An ex-rival of the former two-time heavyweight champion was quick to slam the Brit ahead of his return to the boxing ring next week Tyson Fury 's biggest rival Deontay Wilder has again accused the 'Gypsy King' of being a cheat in a scathing rant. The pair put on one of the most iconic trilogy fights in the history of the sport between 2018 and 2021. Wilder stunned the boxing world back in 2018, sending Fury crashing to the canvas in the final round of their first encounter - but the pair would go on to fight to a split draw in Los Angeles. Two years later, the pair were back in the ring. This time around, the judges were not needed as Fury went on to knock Wilder out in the seventh round before capping off the trilogy with another knockout victory over the 'Bronze Bomber' a year later. Wilder has always been very critical of the 'Gypsy King' and has thrown several 'cheating' accusations following the two defeats. However, there is no evidence to suggest any wrongdoing. Wilder once fired his then cornerman Mark Breland for pulling him out of the sequel too early and sensationally blamed his ring walk outfit for draining his energy just moments before touching gloves with the Brit. After their rematch, the American also claimed Fury illegally tampered with his own gloves. In a recent interview with Inside Boxing Live, when asked about his most disliked fighter that he has faced, Wilder replied: 'I mean, Fury is a cheater. He's the biggest cheater in boxing. I know what he is, they know what they are. Of course, he's the biggest [cheater] in boxing.' Fury has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout their three fights. Taking to Instagram immediately after the rematch, the Brit said: "I've just read an article before saying that I might've had some blunt objects in my gloves? Yeah, two big 19 stone 7 - 275lbs destroyers in each glove. So yeah, getting punched up the temple may do that to you. "Not unless Deontay Wilder's own trainer Jay Deas was in on the conspiracy as well, along with all the Las Vegas State Commission guys who never left the room Jay Deas was in the room when I had my hands wrapped, he examined them. He was in there when I had my gloves put on, examined them. Yeah and everybody else was in the room, they don't leave you. We all know this." WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman later backed Fury after describing the allegations as "ridiculous". "It's ridiculous," Sulaiman told Sky Sports. "It's difficult to understand. I was present in both fights, I was in the dressing room, in both fights. Both Wilder and Fury dressing room. "One was in California, the other one was in Nevada. In both cases there were at least three inspectors, in each dressing room. I was there before and after the fight. I saw the hand wraps, I saw them with the gloves. I was in the ring when they came into the ring, and I was sitting right there during the fight. "At no moment, in either fight, I saw anything that would look suspicious whatsoever. After the fight, they take off the gloves, they are handed to the commission. It's very sad, because to try and take away something from a huge victory, one of the greatest nights of the sport in the century, to try and put a blemish on that event, is so irresponsible, and so stupid. It should not be given any consideration." Despite the stunning accusations, Wilder is preparing for his return to the ring next week. The 39-year-old will take on heavyweight journeyman Tyrrell Anthony Herndon at the Charles Koch Arena in Wichita. Wilder has not fought since suffering a devastating knockout to Zhilei Zhang last June.
