Rodriguez Scores Upset Victory in Birmingham
Veteran Francisco Rodriguez Jr pulled off a surprising win in Birmingham, England, decisively defeating Galal Yafai to clinch the interim WBC flyweight title with a wide unanimous decision.
Dominant Performance
Rodriguez won with scores of 118-109, 119-108, and 119-108, with no judge considering it a closer contest than the consensus. The match was largely one-sided, showcasing Rodriguez’s skill while acknowledging Yafai’s toughness and determination.
Previous Challenges
Entering the fight with a record of 40-6-1 (27 KOs), Rodriguez had previously faced setbacks in major international bouts but demonstrated his capability against the 32-year-old Yafai (9-1, 7 KOs), who sought to expedite his journey to a world title after winning Olympic gold in 2021.
Yafai’s Heart and Strategy
Yafai’s tenacity was evident as he endured significant punishment throughout the fight, which might lead him to reflect on his strategy moving forward. Despite his Olympic credentials, Yafai is often seen more as a fighter than a defensive boxer.
Rodriguez’s Game Plan
Rodriguez made his intentions clear from the outset, applying pressure and unleashing combinations, while Yafai struggled to find his rhythm, even facing a knockdown in the final round. “We felt we needed to steamroll him tonight,” Rodriguez noted, highlighting the challenge of facing an undefeated opponent in his hometown.
Future Opportunities
This victory positions Rodriguez, 32, for a potential title bout in Japan against unified WBC and WBA flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji later this year. Rodriguez has previously fought in Japan, facing tough adversaries but remains eager for another chance.
Other Notable Fights
In other bouts, Conah Walker successfully defended his British welterweight title with a seventh-round knockout of Liam Taylor, while Peter McGrail secured a majority decision against Ionut Baluta. Promising young fighter Pat Brown also achieved a third-round stoppage victory, and 18-year-old Tiah-Mai Ayton made a striking pro debut with a stoppage win.
