Galal Yafai Keeps His Eyes on the Prize but Knows Kenshiro Teraji Fight Isn’t Next

Galal Yafai, the Olympic gold medalist, is fresh off a huge win over Sunny Edwards, where he absolutely dominated. While fans are buzzing about a potential showdown with Japan’s Kenshiro Teraji, the full WBC flyweight champion, Yafai is keeping it real—he doesn’t think that fight is happening anytime soon. Here’s the lowdown on what’s next for one of boxing’s rising stars.

Yafai’s Statement Wins Over Sunny Edwards

In November, Yafai made a major statement by dismantling Sunny Edwards in just six rounds. Edwards, who was undefeated before that fight, had no answers for Yafai’s relentless pace and power. The referee stopped the bout in the sixth round, sealing Yafai’s ninth straight professional win.

With that victory, Yafai, 31, claimed the WBC interim flyweight title and set himself up for a future unification bout with Kenshiro Teraji. But the Edwards fight wasn’t just a career milestone—it also shocked the boxing world when Edwards announced his retirement shortly after. At just 28, his decision to step away left fans and analysts scratching their heads.

Why the Teraji Fight Might Take a While

Even though Yafai’s win puts him in line for a showdown with Teraji, he’s not betting the house on it happening right away. “I’d like to think [Teraji will be next], but you never know in boxing,” Yafai told reporters. He’s staying focused on training and letting his team handle the business side of things.

He’s targeting a return to the ring by March or April 2024 and hopes to fight in Birmingham again after enjoying a home-field advantage during his last bout. “I just feel better fighting at home,” Yafai said. “But if I have to go abroad, I’ll do it. I’ve done it before as an amateur. Whether it’s Japan or America, I’m ready.”

While he’d prefer to keep the momentum rolling at home, Yafai is all about staying active. Sitting on the sidelines isn’t part of the game plan.

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Other Big Names

While the Teraji fight is the dream, Yafai is open to other big matchups—like one with Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez. Bam is no stranger to success, having handed Edwards a tough loss in December 2023. Now that Yafai has outdone Bam’s performance against Edwards, fans are calling for these two to square off.

“I know people are shouting about the Bam Rodriguez fight,” Yafai said. “If that can happen in the future, brilliant. All respect to him—he’s a great fighter—but I’m not one to call names. If it happens, it happens, and it’ll be great for the fans.”

Despite the hype, Yafai is smart about his career. He’s not rushing to move up in weight just to chase another big name, especially when he makes the flyweight limit with ease. For now, the focus is on becoming the full WBC champion at flyweight before tackling new challenges.