Kal and Galal Yafai both notched up victory’s on the undercard of the Bivol, Ramirez fight in Abu Dhabi live on Dazn promoted by Matchroom. This was Kal Yafai long awaited return after losing his world title to Roman Gonzalez in February of 2020. Kal (33) was having his 28th contest as a pro against a very game Jerald Paclar (24) from the Philippines in a Bantamweight 10-round fight. Galal was defending his WBC International Flyweight title that he won in his first professional fight against Mexican Gohan Rodriguez in a 10-round contest.
Kal got off to the worst start imaginal being put down in the first round by a cracking right hand. The former world champion rose to his feet and took an 8 count, Pacler then went looking for the stoppage with Kal weathering the barrage of punches well and getting through the round. Jal then worked his way back into the fight in the next couple of rounds and had Packard over in the 5th but was deem to be done with a low blow. Kal started to boss the fight after this but Packer was always a problem and asked questions to the final bell.
The fight went to the judges with all 3 going for Yafai with two of the having it 96-93 and one having it 95-94.
Galal put on a decent display against a Rodriguez who was looking take his Flyweight WBC International title. Galal piled on the pressure from the first bell in this tough 10 rounder as Rodriguez seemed up for is in Abu Dhabi. Rodriguez had some good moments in the contest but Galal’s pressure and shot picking saw him winning a close contest.
The fight went to the judges and it came down to a split decision with two judges scoring it 96-94 and 96-95 the Yafai and one giving it to the Mexican by 96-95 Rodriguez.
Dexter’s Thoughts
Kal Yafai showed he still has the will and the spirit to reclaim his world title after getting up off the canvas and winning a very hard-fought fight. The Knockdown was just a great shot and showed his world credentials by getting up and winning the contest. It was reported that Kal was taken to hospital after the fight as a precaution I have yet to hear any more news on this and hope everything is OK.
Galal Yafai made it 3 without defeat against a very game Mexican tonight in a very close contest. Galal put loads of pressure on his opponent who fought back hard and really tried to win this contest. The judges were split but Galal got a very hard earned decision, he will be facing much bigger challenges in the future as he vies for world honours and think he needs a few more warm up fights before he does this.
Comments