Q&A With Kal Yafai

By Dennis (Derbymanc)

Khalid ‘Kal’ Yafai could soon be fighting for the WBC silver title after beating Cristofer Rosales on Saturday night. It’s the Birmingham mans 14th straight win (no losses) and all being well he should fight again on 09th May, possibly for the afore mentioned title

Before turning Pro he had an excellent amateur career becoming the first English boxer to win the under 17 World Championship (2005), became one of the youngest British ABA champions in 2006 , qualified for the 2008 Olympics and won a silver medal at the 2008 European Union Championship. He claimed Gold at the 2009 GeeBee championship but lost out on qualification for the 2012 games after losing to Andrew Selby in 2011.

He turned professional in July 2012 and up 8 wins over the course of 8 months before an injured bicep curtailed the Yafai train for 7 months. Upon his return it was straight back to winning ways and in his 11th bout won the Commonwealth Super Flyweight title against Kareem Yaqub in May 2014, this was followed by the IBF Inter-Continental Super Flyweight title 5 months later.

The future looks very bright for Kal and a world title should definitely be on the cards for the fast, body punching Super Flyweight. He kindly agreed to give V2 Boxing an interview, and here’s what he had to say.

1. At what age did you get into boxing? And how much was you into watching the sport and learning about it’s past?

I started when I was 9, I followed my brother Gamal to the gym and after the 1st day I started I fell in love with the sport and never looked back. I wasn't that interest in learning about its past till many years later. Apart from training I was only interested in watching Naseem Hamed, Mike Tyson and Sugar Ray Robinson.


2. Does the hype surrounding yourself bother you or does it make you want to fight better opponents?

I don't really take notice of it to be honest. It's obviously good to know people are talking about you but I just like to get on with what I am doing and improving all the time. The better opponents will come with experience.


3. Is there anyone your itching to face at the moment, regardless of skill level/experience.

To be honest I don't really care who I face. As long as I have an opponent and my career is going in the right direction that's all I care about.

4. Have you been frustrated by your injuries hampering your progress, and how fast do you think you could make it to world level.

Yes, my injures have been very frustrating. They are the type that takes a long time to heal so I have had to be very patient but I'm glad I'm fit and healthy. Hopefully with the right fights at the right time I will be up there by the end of the year.

5. Are you capable of hopping around the lower weights or will you pick one and stay there? (Have read your comfortable at super flyweight and flyweight.)

Hopefully I can achieve what I want at flyweight then I will see what other weights I can win world titles at but right now I have 1 goal and that's winning a world title at flyweight and been in big fights.

6. Do you fancy a matchup against Quigg/Frampton or both and if so how long would it take you to be ready to face them?

They are 3 weights heavier than me at the moment so they are not in my mind at all.

7. You mentioned in one of your early bouts that you wanted to fight for the British Belt, why did this never happen? And if you were given the opportunity, would you fight for it now?

I wanted to but it wasn't available to fight for such a long time, my promoter and manager feel I will benefit more trying to get up the world rankings fighting tough South Americans/Asians.

8. Your profile seems to have slipped a bit lately; do you think 2015 will be this year and if so do you have any big plans in the pipeline for this?

Well I have just boxed for the 1st time this year and I'm out again on May 9th back home in Birmingham for the 1st time as a pro. I feel when I put on a good performance in Birmingham my profile will increase.

9. What was it like being part of the British Amateur setup, was there a lot of camaraderie and are you still in contact/friends with any of them?

I was part of GB boxing for many years and made great friends. I have great memories from all the banter we had travelling the world. I am still in contact with a lot of my friends from the amateur days.

10. How many more fights before you believe your ready for a world title shot? And does Eddie share your view?

I just look at improving and fulfilling my potential and becoming a more seasoned professional. Eddie & my trainer decide when I am ready for my title shots.

11. Do you believe there is a place for boxing at school level?

Of Course, I believe children can benefit massively from boxing in schools. It teaches such great discipline but also helps with fitness too.

12. With your brother entering the Pro ranks, would you face off against each other if need be or is that a definite no no?

Never! I'd never fight my own brother for any prize. Plus my mother will never let it happen.

13. What do you think of coaching and training in the UK, especially at the childrens level?

We have great coaches; we as a country develop great fighters all the time. Even at amateur level you see some great coaches and they bring the fighters up from schoolboy level and don't really get the recognition they deserve.

http://www.v2boxing.co.uk/#!QA-With-Kal-Yafai/c1xmj/5519af720cf2aa18116da4bb

Usual PC stuff.............He's been well trained....But good coup anyway !!

Please don't ever ask Joshua on will you..........

Kid doesn't have an opinion on anything.

Ask him about that suicidal pilot!