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Yafai vs Muranaka: Kal Yafai makes first defence of WBA title this Saturday on Sky Sports

Kal Yafai
Image: WBA champion Kal Yafai battles Suguru Muranaka in Birmingham this Saturday, live on Sky Sports

Kal Yafai defends his WBA belt and Sam Eggington challenges for a European title as they bid for hometown glory in Birmingham, live on Sky Sports.

Yafai was crowned as the WBA super-flyweight champion after a masterful points victory over Luis Concepcion in December, and will make his first defence against Suguru Muranaka at the Barclaycard Arena this Saturday.

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The home favourite is joined on the bill by Eggington, another Midlands man, who battles Ceferino Rodriguez for the European welterweight belt, while Josh Kelly is preparing for his second professional fight.

Kal Yafai vs Suguru Muranaka

Kal Yafai
Image: Yafai produced a punch perfect display against Concepcion

Yafai effortlessly made the step-up to world level when he ripped the WBA belt from Concepcion with a unanimous points win over the experienced Panamanian.

The classy 27-year-old is part of an exciting division, including Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez who recently lost his long unbeaten record, and will be hoping to send out a warning to his rivals with a dominant title defence.

Tale of the Tape - Kal Yafai v Suguru Muranaka

His Japanese opponent is fighting outside his country for the first time, but Muranaka has not suffered a defeat since 2006 and should provide a stern test.

Sam Eggington vs Ceferino Rodriguez

O2 BOXING 4-3-17.02,LONDON.PIC;LAWRENCE LUSTIG.WBC International Welterweight Championship.Sam Eggington vs Paulie Malignaggi.
Image: Eggington has set his sights on European belt after stopping Paulie Malignaggi

Eggington pounded Paulie Malignaggi into retirement in March and will continue his rise up the welterweight rankings if he takes the European title from Spanish champion Rodriguez.

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'The Savage' was simply too strong for Malignaggi, who was knocked out by a body shot in the eighth round, and will be hunting down another stoppage victory in front of his local support.

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'The Savage' reflects on his ruthless win over a former world champion

But Rodriguez, with just one defeat in 25 fights, will not lose his belt without a fierce fight and emerged victorious on past trips to Italy and Argentina.

Josh Kelly

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Josh Kelly started life in the paid ranks with a dazzling points win

'Pretty Boy' Kelly made a hugely impressive professional debut last month as he showcased his slick skills in a one-sided points win over Jay Byrne.

The talented 23-year-old will seeking his second victory on a busy bill in Birmingham, which also features Gamal Yafai and Frankie Gavin.

Watch Kal Yafai vs Suguru Muranaka, Sam Eggington vs Ceferino Rodriguez, and Josh Kelly on this Saturday's Birmingham bill, from 7.30pm on Sky Sports 2.

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