Galal Yafai, the Olympic gold medallist, has made significant strides in his professional boxing career. His recent victory over Sunny Edwards has put him on a path to potentially face Kenshiro Teraji, the full champion. But what lies ahead for this talented boxer?

Uncertainty in Galal Yafai's Boxing Future

Olympic Gold and Professional Success

Galal Yafai's performance against Sunny Edwards in November was nothing short of exceptional. He won every round until the referee stepped in to save the struggling Edwards in the sixth round. This ninth win from nine professional contests earned him the WBC interim flyweight title, propelling him closer to a showdown with Kenshiro Teraji.This victory also came as a surprise as Sunny Edwards unexpectedly announced his retirement at the age of 28. Yafai's journey in the boxing ring has been marked by determination and skill, and his achievements have caught the attention of fans and the boxing community alike.

Thoughts on the Next Fight

When asked about his next fight, Yafai expressed his hope that it would be against Kenshiro Teraji. However, he acknowledged the unpredictability of boxing. "I'd like to think [Teraji will be next], but you never know in boxing," he said. "If I was going to put my house on it, I'd probably say it's not going to happen next. I just do the training and fighting, and let the team sort things out."Yafai also shared his hopes for the timing of his next fight, suggesting that it might be in March or April. He emphasized the importance of staying active and getting back in the ring as soon as possible. "They're going to want to get me out there fighting again – and hopefully in Birmingham as well, 'cause I enjoyed fighting in my city. I'm used to fighting in America, but it's harder to acclimatise and things like that. I could see the difference fighting back at home."

Fighting at Home vs. Abroad

Yafai believes that fighting at home gives him a certain advantage. "You don't really know if you're going to get the best possible version of yourself [when you fight on the road] – because I hadn't fought back at home for a while, I could feel the difference. You just feel better and stronger. It might not even be the truth. I might just have been great that night. But I felt fitter; I felt better fighting at home. But if I have to fight abroad, I have to fight abroad. I did it as an amateur. My last one in [Las] Vegas, yeah, I was fine; I was comfortable. But I just feel much better at home."Despite his preference for fighting at home, Yafai is willing to go abroad if needed. He has the experience of fighting as an amateur and is prepared to face the challenges that come with fighting in different countries.

Looking Ahead and Other Fights

Yafai's victory over Edwards has sparked speculation about potential fights with other top boxers. He is aware of the excitement surrounding a potential match with Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez, but he remains focused on his goal of becoming the full champion."I don't just want to sit around now," he said. "I want to be the full champion. I know people are shouting about the Bam Rodriguez fight – if that can happen in the future, brilliant. But I don't really call names. I'm happy to fight these guys, but it's a lot tougher going up a division when I make the weight easy, and then fighting the best in that division. All respect to Bam Rodriguez, he's a great fighter, but if I can fight him in the future then it'd be a great fight for the fans."After a well-deserved break, Yafai will be back in the gym in Sheffield, ready to take on whatever challenges lie ahead in his boxing career.