Galal Yafai sets sights on WBC flyweight title-holder Kenshiro Teraji

Unbeaten British flyweight contender Galal Yafai has set his sights on a blockbuster world title showdown with Kenshiro Teraji later this year.

The Olympic gold medalist is gearing up for a major Birmingham homecoming on Saturday night as he gets set to headline the bp pulse LIVE for the first time, taking on the dangerous Mexican, Francisco Rodriguez Jr.

However, whilst he is adamant he won't be overlooking his upcoming opponent, it appears as though the West Midlands born star is already mapping out his future, with Japanese champion Teraji at the forefront of his mind.

The Asian sensation would undoubtedly represent a significant step up in quality for Yafai, but it's a fight he would be keen to take on - even if it meant stepping on enemy territory to make the fight happen.

"If (Kenshiro) Teraji comes through and I win on Saturday then I would be more than willing to go to Japan and fight him at the end of the year," the 32-year-old told ESPN this week.

It would be nice to go back there and win my first world title in Japan after winning the Olympics there, too.

- Galal Yafai (ESPN)

"Japan is a great country for the smaller weights, it has a great tradition with some great fighters there at the moment, but I have to beat (Francisco) Rodriguez first before I can start thinking about it."

Matchroom's Yafai, who has won all nine of his professional fights to date, has made a seamless transition from the amateur ranks, living up to the hype that surrounded him after reigning supreme at the Olympic Games five years ago.

His flyweight gold medal run in Japan fulfilled a lifelong dream of his, and he says reaching the pinnacle of the pro game would match, if not better, that achievement.

"It was incredible to win gold in 2020, an enormous amount of work went into that, and I had one chance at it," he smiled.

"It's not like you get another go if things go wrong - there was pressure, I stood up to it and I delivered, and that is standing me in good stead for what I am working towards as a professional.

"Establishing yourself as a world champion is the pinnacle; it would be a phenomenal achievement, and when I get there it will be a really special moment."

Yafai vs Rodriguez Jr tops Matchroom's fightcard in Birmingham on Saturday night, with the full card being shown live on DAZN from 19:00 (BST).

Mark Mothershaw

• Matchroom
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