MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 20 Apr 2025
FOR IBO SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE - YAFAI MEETS RODRIGUEZ FOR INTERIM WBC FLYWEIGHT TITLE ON JUNE 21 IN BIRMINGHAM
Walker vs. Taylor & Pat Brown land on stacked Midlands card
British rivals Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail will clash for the IBO Super-Bantamweight Title at the top of a stacked card at BP Pulse LIVE in Birmingham on Saturday June 21 that also features undefeated Flyweight Galal Yafai taking on Francisco Rodriguez for the Interim WBC Flyweight World Title – live worldwide on DAZN.
Stoke-on-Trent’s Masoud (14-0, 4 KOs) claimed the IBO crown with an impressive decision win over Telford’s Liam Davies last time out in November – inflicting a first loss on the former British and European Champion following a heated build-up between the pair.
Liverpool’s McGrail (11-1, 6 KOs) outpointed Rhys Edwards over ten rounds in his last contest on the huge Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – the 28-year-old southpaw’s third straight win since suffering a shock loss to Ja’Rico O’Quinn in 2023.
Birmingham’s Yafai (9-0, 7 KOs) looked sensational as he stopped former IBF Flyweight king Sunny Edwards in six punishing rounds at BP Pulse LIVE in November, and the Olympic Champion puts his WBC Interim Title on the line for the first time against Mexico’s Rodriguez (39-6-1, 27 KOs). A shot at Japan’s unified WBC and WBA Flyweight World Champion Kenshiro Tereji lays in store for the winner.
Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker (15-3-1, 6 KOs) makes the maiden defence of his British Welterweight Title against Middleton’s Mandatory Challenger Liam Taylor (28-2-1, 14 KOs), Olympian turned Cruiserweight prospect Pat Brown (1-0, 1 KO) looks to build on his action-packed professional debut in Altrincham last month, Birmingham Super-Featherweight Ibraheem Sulaimaan (7-0, 4 KOs) returns, heavy-handed Coventry Middleweight Aaron Bowen (5-0, 3 KOs) fights for the second time in 2025 and Walsall Flyweight Hamza Uddin (4-0, 1 KO) continues his rise.
“I’m excited and ready to defend my IBO World Title in Birmingham on June 21," said Masoud. "I’ve been in the gym since the last victory over Liam Davies in November. This is a another big domestic fight against Peter McGrail that I know will bring the best out of me. I’m looking forward to showing everyone what I’m about again.”
"I can't wait for this one," said McGrail. "I respect Shabaz Masoud - he’s a top fighter, but the best version of Peter McGrail beats any Super-Bantamweight in the world, and that’s what you’ll get June 21 in Birmingham."
“I’m excited to be fighting back in my home city of Birmingham, I can’t wait to put on a show against a top fighter,” said Yafai. “I’m looking forward to getting through this one and fighting for the World Title.”
“I have been waiting for this opportunity for two years to fight for the WBC 112 pound belt,” said Rodriguez. “I have been World Champion at 105 pounds and 108 pounds. Galal Yafai has never been in the ring with a fighter like me, real Mexican style! Come June 21, the WBC belt is mine and will be going back to wear it belongs - Viva Mexico!”
"This is a brilliant domestic fight between two of the best Super-Bantamweights in the world," said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. "Shabaz Masoud looked sensational last time out against Liam Davies and the emerging star from Stoke is promising another memorable performance on June 21. Peter McGrail steps up for the biggest challenge of his professional career to date. It's going to be an electric atmosphere.
"It's a huge night of boxing at BP Pulse Live as Birmingham's own Galal Yafai takes another step to World Title glory when he puts his WBC Interim Title on the line against Mexico's Francisco Rodriguez. Fan favourite Conah Walker defends his British Title against Liam Taylor and all-action Cruiserweight Pat Brown features on a stacked undercard alongside plenty of local talent. Watch it live and exclusive on DAZN."
"This has the makings of a brilliant fight," said Alfie Sharman, VP DAZN. "Shabaz is off the back of a career high win and Peter has been tipped by those in the know for a very long time. Birmingham will be rocking! Watch it live and exclusive only on DAZN."
Ticket details will be announced next week.
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