Mobile Home | Desktop Version




Francisco Rodriguez Jr. Stuns Galal Yafai in Birmingham, Secures Interim WBC Flyweight Title

By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 22 Jun 2025




In a significant upset at BP Pulse Live Arena in Birmingham, England Saturday night (early Sunday in Manila) Mexico's Francisco Rodriguez Jr. delivered a masterful performance to defeat hometown hero and Olympic gold medalist Galal Yafai by unanimous decision, capturing the interim WBC Flyweight title.

The thrilling 12-round eliminator bout, which headlined the Matchroom Boxing card, saw Rodriguez Jr. outwork and outpoint Yafai in a high-octane affair. Rodriguez capped his dominant performance by sending Yafai to the canvas in the 12th and final round.

Judges scorecards: David Bilocerkowec 119-108, Kevin Parker 119-108 and Chris Tellez 118-109 all in favor of the visiting Mexican warrior.

From the opening bell, both fighters engaged in a relentless, fan-friendly contest, trading punches at a furious pace. While Yafai, known for his aggressive, all-action style, pushed forward, it was Rodriguez Jr.'s consistent volume, sharp combinations, and superior ring generalship that ultimately swayed the judges. CompuBox statistics underscore Rodriguez Jr.'s impressive work rate and accuracy, as he consistently landed more punches and maintained a higher output throughout the fight.

Both fighters sustained a cut over their left eyes which is a testament to the intensity and ruggedness of the fight.

The decision, though unanimous, left some of the partisan crowd stunned, as many had expected Yafai to overcome the challenge.

For Galal Yafai (now 9-1-0, 7 KOs), this marks the first professional defeat of his career and a significant setback in his quest for a full world title. While he showed immense heart and grit, battling to the final bell, he struggled to contain Rodriguez Jr.'s relentless pressure and found himself on the back foot for extended periods.

The former minimumweight world champion Francisco Rodriguez Jr. (now 40-6-1, 27 KOs), veteran of many ring wars including two fights in the Philippines against the celebrated Donnie Nietes and the unforgettable brawl against Jomar Fajardo, celebrated a monumental victory, adding an interim world title to his resume and positioning himself for a shot at the undisputed WBC flyweight championship. His performance in Birmingham was a testament to his experience, stamina, and tactical brilliance. This win revitalizes his career and establishes him as a major player in the flyweight division.

The fight lived up to its eliminator status, providing non-stop action and high drama for the packed arena and global audience watching on DAZN. While a disappointment for Yafai and his fans, it was a night of triumph for Rodriguez Jr., who proved that experience and relentless pressure can indeed overcome a highly touted, undefeated prospect on his home turf.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.

Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Usyk vs Dubois Rematch Marred by Oversaturated Pay-Per-View Market
    By Chris Carlson, Sat, 19 Jul 2025
  • Weights from Washington, PA
    Sat, 19 Jul 2025
  • Pacquiao and Barrios Make Weight: Final Hurdle Cleared for Blockbuster Saturday Night
    By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025
  • Usyk Registers Career-Heaviest Weight as Dubois Looks Ready for Undisputed Rematch at Wembley
    Sat, 19 Jul 2025
  • Rodriguez vs. Cafu Unification Clash Set for Frisco, Texas; All Fighters Make Weight
    By Dong Secuya, Sat, 19 Jul 2025
  • LOPEZ VS. VARGAS WEIGHTS FROM PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
    Sat, 19 Jul 2025
  • “Bambol” Tolentino in Las Vegas: Supporting Filipino Athletes and Pacquiao
    By Carlos Costa, Fri, 18 Jul 2025
  • Unstoppable: Team Philippines Storms Into Davis Cup Finals After Qatar Sweep
    By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 18 Jul 2025
  • Blu Girls Stumble Against Taipei, Look to Regroup vs. Hong Kong
    By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 18 Jul 2025
  • Fighting for clean sweep
    By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 18 Jul 2025
  • WBA No. 2 Heavyweight Contender Michael Hunter Is Ready to Take on World Champion Kubrat Pulev; All Systems Go for Purse Bid Winner Don King
    Fri, 18 Jul 2025
  • Weights from Panama City; WBA Women's Interim Superfly Title at Stake
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 18 Jul 2025
  • Undefeated prospect Pryce Taylor Working hard to join Brooklyn’s Elite list of top heavyweight boxers
    Fri, 18 Jul 2025
  • Justin Goossen-Brown Set to Make DAZN Broadcasting Debut This Friday at Boxlab Promotions’ Night of Champions in Orlando
    Fri, 18 Jul 2025
  • Philippine Davis Cup Team Sweeps Kuwait to Stay Unbeaten in Group IV
    By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 18 Jul 2025