Galal Yafai, a British Olympic gold medalist, is poised to etch his name into boxing history. He’s aiming to join the exclusive club of British Olympic champions who’ve conquered the professional world title scene, following in the footsteps of his fellow Olympian and close friend, Lauren Price. This elite group includes boxing legends like James DeGale and Anthony Joshua, highlighting the rarity of this achievement.
Yafai’s journey to a potential world championship is particularly noteworthy given the context of Britain’s remarkable success at the Tokyo Olympics. The GB boxing team delivered Britain’s largest medal haul in a century, with Yafai and Price securing gold medals among the six GB boxers who medaled. Their transition to professional boxing, while training together at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, showcases their exceptional dedication and talent.
Price’s rapid ascent to the WBA welterweight world title in just seven professional fights serves as both inspiration and a benchmark for Yafai. Now, after only eight professional bouts, Yafai has his own chance to shine. He’s facing Sunny Edwards, a former world champion and past amateur rival, in a WBC Interim title fight. A victory in Birmingham on Saturday would catapult Yafai into contention for the WBC world flyweight championship, currently held by Kenshiro Teraji. This fight is not just another step; it’s a pivotal moment defining Yafai’s career trajectory.
Yafai maintains a measured approach, focusing on the task at hand. “I don’t have a target. I take one fight at a time. It’s an Interim title so the full title’s the next fight,” he told Sky Sports. He acknowledges the significant challenge ahead but expresses his desire to join Price at the pinnacle of professional boxing: “Definitely. She’s already a [world] champion…She’s one of the best in the world already.” He understands the inherent difficulties of professional boxing, citing the example of fellow Olympian Frazer Clarke, who experienced a setback after a thrilling draw and subsequent knockout defeat. Yet, Yafai expresses unwavering support for Clarke’s comeback, emphasizing the bond forged through shared Olympic experiences and the unpredictable nature of the sport, particularly in the heavyweight division.
Yafai’s confidence in his upcoming bout against Edwards stems from his extensive experience facing top-tier competitors. He dismisses concerns about Edwards’ footwork, stating, “I’ve fought Cubans, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, they’ve got much better footwork than Sunny Edwards.” He draws on his Olympic experience, highlighting the elite level of competition he’s already overcome. His past sparring sessions with Edwards further fuel his belief that he can secure a knockout victory. “A million per cent I can,” he declared, acknowledging the inherent uncertainty of boxing while maintaining his resolute confidence.
With Lauren Price defending her WBA welterweight world title against Bexcy Mateus on December 14th, the spotlight remains firmly on British boxing. Galal Yafai’s fight against Sunny Edwards is more than just a title bout; it’s a testament to the dedication and resilience of Olympic athletes transitioning to the demanding world of professional boxing, with the potential to further solidify Britain’s position in the global boxing arena.
