Galal Yafai's Journey to Boxing Stardom

Boxing is a sport often dominated by larger-than-life personalities and heavyweight champions, but Galal Yafai is proving that size isn't everything. The 32-year-old flyweight, who won Olympic gold in Tokyo, is now on the brink of global recognition as a professional boxer.

Facing the Odds

Yafai's journey hasn't been without its challenges. Balancing boxing training with shifts at a car factory in Solihull, he has always been grounded in reality. "People assume boxers are always confident," Yafai tells BBC Sport. "Just because I won Olympic gold, they think I must be full of myself – but that's not true at all."

A Level-Headed Approach

Yafai believes in facing negative thoughts head-on to neutralize their impact. This mindset has helped him reach the pinnacle of amateur boxing and now positions him as a serious contender in the professional arena. On Saturday, he returns home to defend his WBC interim title against Mexican Francisco Rodriguez Jr. at the BP Pulse Live Arena.

Aiming for Global Honors

Victory could lead to a unification bout with WBA and WBC titlist Kenshiro Teraji. Yafai is ready to travel to Japan for this challenge, a country where he has fond memories from his Olympic triumph. "Going back there to fight a world champion for a unified title would be incredible," he says.

Small Frame, Big Ambitions

Despite his success, Yafai is aware of the challenges flyweights face in gaining public interest. "We don't get the plaudits. I wish I was 6ft 4in and a heavyweight," he adds with a wry smile. However, he is determined to work twice as hard to earn the recognition he deserves.

Future Prospects

Beyond Rodriguez, a showdown with Teraji awaits. There is also the possibility of stepping up to challenge Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez, the American two-weight world champion. "Bam's a great fighter," Yafai acknowledges, "but I saw enough to know how I could beat him."

Legacy in the Making

For now, Yafai's focus remains clear: "First, I must win on Saturday. And then can I go on and win a world title. When I retire from boxing, I want to sit back and say I was Olympic champion and world champion. That's the legacy I'm chasing."