Yafai Rodriguez Final Press Conference Quotes

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

"Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Birmingham ahead of a big show on Saturday live and exclusive around the world on DAZN. Just talking to Galal and Peter there about the card on Saturday, they're both saying this is going to be an absolute banger - all-action.

"We understand that fighters have specific styles, but the reality is, the public want entertainment. I think you've got that in droves on Saturday night. Particularly the three fights at the top of the card. Galal Yafai 9-0 now, Birmingham's Olympic Champion, looking to cement his shot at the WBC World Title, against this man, Francisco Rodriguez Jr.

"I know a lot of people might say on paper, 'oh look, they've brought in another Mexican challenger'. Not really, this guy is a former unified World Champion. This guy in my opinion beat Ioka in Japan. This fight will be an absolute war. I said to Galal just then, 'you'll enjoy Saturday'. He went, 'you will!'. I said, 'yeah exactly, that's what we want to watch isn't it?'. I want a war. Yafai-Rodriguez is a war.

"And of course, just a couple of weeks ago we got the news that Masoud was out with an injury. Peter McGrail told us that he wants a real fight. Well up steps this lunatic, Ionut Baluta. He's an absolute animal. And all of a sudden, you look at the history between the camps, with Peter McGrail, wins over Brad Strand and Andrew Cain, a draw with Dennis McCann. This is a serious serious fight for Peter McGrail.

"And what about Conah Walker, has there ever been a fighter that gives you more value for money than Conah Walker? If you want entertainment, Conah Walker against Liam Taylor is going to give it to you, for the British and Commonwealth Title. Pat Brown, just his second fight, massive support again. I think this guy is good enough to win British, Commonwealth and European Title fights now. Good step up on Saturday. Giorgio Visioli down the end there, already making waves internationally. One of the hottest prospects in the sport."

Galal Yafai:

"He's a great fighter, Rodriguez. Anyone that knows him. He comes forward, I come forward. It should make for a great fight for the fans, not so good for myself and him. As long as I get the win, that's all that matters.

"Why was he coming towards the end of his career? He was 28 (Sunny Edwards). I'm 32. At 28 I was in my prime. I won Olympic Gold at 28. It's normally at 28 that you're at your prime.

"Rodriguez should be my hardest fight, on paper. Let's hope it's not in reality on Saturday. I've had to fight Sunny who was number one with the Ring Magazine, then I've had to fight the WBC number one Rodriguez and then I'll have to go to Japan probably and fight the pound for pound fighter who's got the WBC and WBA belts in Teraji. I've not had it easy have I?"

Francisco Rodriguez:

"I want to say thank you to everyone present here. I also want to give a big thanks to Eddie Hearn for the opportunity. Of course, I come really prepared for this fight. On Saturday I'm not coming so far just to lose this fight.

"Yes, it's true that Galal Yafai throws a lot of shots, but I'd also say that I equal him in the amount of shots that I throw. What I would say is that I don't think he's ever faced someone like me who throws those shots and throws them with power. Without doubt the styles will mix on Saturday night and it will be an excellent fight. Ultimately, the fans will come out as winners."