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Yafai has his first fight as the longest-reigning current British world champion, writes Paul Wheeler

- Paul Wheeler

WHEN Anthony Joshua was shockingly stopped by Andy Ruiz Jnr earlier this month, he lost his status as the longest-reigning current British world champion. That distinction now belongs to Kal Yafai, 25-0 (15). The Birmingham boxer has been the WBA super-flyweight king ever since his comprehensive unanimous points victory over former two-weight world titlist Luis Concepcion in December 2016.

This Saturday ( June 29), Yafai makes the fifth defence of his belt against mandatory challenger Norbelto Jimenez, 29-8-4 (16), of the Dominican Republic. The Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island is the venue for this Matchroom Boxing promotion, which will be televised live on Sky Sports Action/Main Event (UK) and DAZN (US).

After defeating Concepcion for the title, Yafai retained it twice the following year, both times via unanimous verdict. Suguru Muranaka was beaten in May, before another tough Japanese fighter, Sho Ishida, was conquered in October.

In 2018, Kal successfully defended his crown on two more occasions. In what was David Carmona’s third crack at world honours, the tenacious Mexican was forced to retire after the seventh round in May. Six months later, Yafai was expected to cruise past Israel Gonzalez, who had been dominated in his only previous attempt at becoming a world champ. Despite prevailing by scores of 117-111 and 116-112 (twice), the West Midlander was pushed hard by Gonzalez. So much so, in fact, that some observers felt that Yafai was slightly fortunate to receive the decision. The 30-year-old is determined to improve on a disappointing display last time out.