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Philippines, 17 Mar 2026 |
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Francisco Rodriguez Jr. Stuns Galal Yafai in Birmingham, Secures Interim WBC Flyweight Title By Dong Secuya PhilBoxing.com Sun, 22 Jun 2025  In a significant upset at BP Pulse Live Arena in Birmingham, England Saturday night (early Sunday in Manila) Mexico's Francisco Rodriguez Jr. delivered a masterful performance to defeat hometown hero and Olympic gold medalist Galal Yafai by unanimous decision, capturing the interim WBC Flyweight title. The thrilling 12-round eliminator bout, which headlined the Matchroom Boxing card, saw Rodriguez Jr. outwork and outpoint Yafai in a high-octane affair. Rodriguez capped his dominant performance by sending Yafai to the canvas in the 12th and final round. Judges scorecards: David Bilocerkowec 119-108, Kevin Parker 119-108 and Chris Tellez 118-109 all in favor of the visiting Mexican warrior. From the opening bell, both fighters engaged in a relentless, fan-friendly contest, trading punches at a furious pace. While Yafai, known for his aggressive, all-action style, pushed forward, it was Rodriguez Jr.'s consistent volume, sharp combinations, and superior ring generalship that ultimately swayed the judges. CompuBox statistics underscore Rodriguez Jr.'s impressive work rate and accuracy, as he consistently landed more punches and maintained a higher output throughout the fight. Both fighters sustained a cut over their left eyes which is a testament to the intensity and ruggedness of the fight. The decision, though unanimous, left some of the partisan crowd stunned, as many had expected Yafai to overcome the challenge. For Galal Yafai (now 9-1-0, 7 KOs), this marks the first professional defeat of his career and a significant setback in his quest for a full world title. While he showed immense heart and grit, battling to the final bell, he struggled to contain Rodriguez Jr.'s relentless pressure and found himself on the back foot for extended periods. The former minimumweight world champion Francisco Rodriguez Jr. (now 40-6-1, 27 KOs), veteran of many ring wars including two fights in the Philippines against the celebrated Donnie Nietes and the unforgettable brawl against Jomar Fajardo, celebrated a monumental victory, adding an interim world title to his resume and positioning himself for a shot at the undisputed WBC flyweight championship. His performance in Birmingham was a testament to his experience, stamina, and tactical brilliance. This win revitalizes his career and establishes him as a major player in the flyweight division. The fight lived up to its eliminator status, providing non-stop action and high drama for the packed arena and global audience watching on DAZN. While a disappointment for Yafai and his fans, it was a night of triumph for Rodriguez Jr., who proved that experience and relentless pressure can indeed overcome a highly touted, undefeated prospect on his home turf. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.  |
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