Yafai’s Jimenez Showdown Confirmed

Briton Kal Yafai will defend his WBA super-flyweight world title against Norbelto Jimenez in Rhode Island on June 29. The Yafai-Jimenez bout has been added to the undercard of Demetrius Andrade’s world title defence at the Dunkin’ Donuts Centre in Providence against Maciej Sulecki at the end of the month.

Birmingham-born Yafai, who is unbeaten in 25 professional outings, will be making the fifth defence of his WBA crown against mandatory challenger Jimenez as he looks to build on his victory on points over Israel Gonzalez in Monte Carlo in November.

Dominican Republic star Jimenez will offer a stern test to Yafai as the 28-year-old is unbeaten in his last 30 fights, but the British star is determined to maintain his form as he plots a route to taking on current WBC, Ring magazine and lineal super-flyweight champion Juan Estrada.

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“I’m very excited to be back in action,” said Yafai. “After my last fight, I’ve got to go out there and win and look good doing so. “He’s obviously going to be a good fighter because he’s my mandatory. I’m looking to show everyone that I’m one of the finest world champions out there and make my mark in America.

“I fought in America last year and we all thought we were going to fight Jerwin Ancajas afterwards, the IBF champion, but they didn’t seem to be up for it at all. “It’s been a bit frustrating at times and I had a hand injury earlier this year.

After my last fight, and especially the performance, it’s given me that hunger to want it even more, to stay at the top and get those big fights.” He added on Sky Sports: “At times, I’ve got a bit complacent, including before my last fight, and that’s completely changed for this one, so I’ll be at my game 100 per cent.”