Today, Matchroom have announced that they have signed amateur boxer Galal Yafai. The amateur sensationally won an Olympic gold medal for Team GB in last summers Olympic Games held in Tokyo. Yafai is a very experienced amateur boxer with a phenomenal amount of bouts, boasting a record of 42-14-0. Despite the losses on his amateur record, Yafai’s will and desire to never give up has been evident.
Heart of an Olympian
Unfortunately, Galal Yafai’s Olympic career hasn’t always been plain sailing. Yafai competed in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. He won his round of 32 bout but was knocked out of the tournament in the round of 16. His sheer determination to come back and prove his talents is undeniable. Five years after being knocked out in the round of 16 in Brazil, Yafai was ready to shine. He qualified for the Tokyo Olympics 2020, which was held in 2021 due to covid. Unexpectedly, the flyweight boxer fulfilled his life dream and became an Olympic champion. Galal Yafai was also awarded an MBE in the 2022 New Years Honours due to his services to GB boxing.
Galal Yafai – Ready for the Pro Game
After today’s announcement, Galal Yafai will turn professional. He has signed a long term multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing. Eddie Hearn commented on the signing, saying:
“It was very important for us to secure the signing of Galal Yafai, one, because he is one of the best amateurs GB boxing has ever produced, two, because he won the Olympic gold medal of course in Tokyo last year, and three, because he comes from a tremendous family.”
The Yafai’s have a great boxing family history. Galal will become the third Yafai brother to box professionally. Kal Yafai won the WBA super-flyweight world championship and held that title from 2016 to 2020. Gamal Yafai also won a European title in the professional ranks. After today’s announcement, Galal spoke of his excitement to turn professional and work with Matchroom Boxing. He told Mirror Fighting:
“The proof is in the pudding really. I think Eddie Hearn is the best promoter both in British boxing and globally.”
Due to his vast experience in the amateur game, Yafai is looking for a fast start in the pro ranks. He will make his professional debut on February 27th on the Lawrence Okolie vs Michal Cieslak undercard at the O2 arena live on Dazn. Thrown in at the deep end, Galal will fight for the WBC International title in his first pro bout.
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Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
