Below are a selection of quotes from the final Galal Yafai vs Francisco Rodriguez press conference ahead of Saturday’s action, June 21, at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham, shown live worldwide on DAZN.
Watch the full press conference back on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel
Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:
“Welcome to Birmingham ahead of a big show on Saturday live and exclusive around the world on DAZN. This is going to be an absolute banger – all-action!
“We understand that fighters have specific styles, but the reality is, the public want entertainment. I think you’ve got that in droves on Saturday night. Particularly the three fights at the top of the card. Galal Yafai 9-0 now, Birmingham’s Olympic Champion, looking to cement his shot at the WBC World Title, against this man, Francisco Rodriguez Jr.
“I know a lot of people might say on paper, ‘oh look, they’ve brought in another Mexican challenger’. Not really, this guy is a former unified World Champion. This guy, in my opinion, beat Ioka in Japan. This fight will be an absolute war. I said to Galal just then, ‘you’ll enjoy Saturday’. He went, ‘you will!’. I said, ‘yeah exactly, that’s what we want to watch isn’t it?’. I want a war. Yafai-Rodriguez is a war.”
Galal Yafai:
“He’s a great fighter, Rodriguez. 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. As long as I get the win, that’s all that matters.
“I’m 32. At 28, I was in my prime. I won Olympic Gold at 28. It’s normally at 28 that you’re at your prime.
“Rodriguez should be my hardest fight, on paper. Let’s hope it’s not in reality on Saturday. I’ve had to fight Sunny, 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?”
Francisco Rodriguez:
“I want to say thank you to everyone present here. I also want to give a big thanks to Eddie Hearn for the opportunity. Of course, I come really prepared for this fight. On Saturday I’m not coming so far just to lose this fight.
“Yes, it’s true that Galal Yafai throws a lot of shots, but I’d also say that I equal him in the amount of shots that I throw. What I would say is that I don’t think he’s ever faced someone like me who throws those shots and throws them with power.
“Without doubt the styles will mix on Saturday night and it will be an excellent fight. Ultimately, the fans will come out as winners.”
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