Joshua vs Takam: Kal Yafai is prepared to engage in a punishing battle with Sho Ishida
Thursday 26 October 2017 14:10, UK
Kal Yafai says Sho Ishida will not stand in the way of big fights in America and the WBA champion is prepared to 'bully' his Japanese opponent in Cardiff.
The unbeaten 28-year-old makes the second defence of his WBA super-flyweight belt against mandatory challenger Ishida on the Anthony Joshua-Carlos Takam bill this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Ishida also carries a perfect professional record and a sizeable height advantage into the fight, but Yafai is confident that he will come out on top in a test of ring skills, or a punishing battle.
Speaking at the undercard press conference, Yafai said: "Toughest fight on paper, but let's see what he can deal with on Saturday?"
Even if I've got to outbox this guy, which I know I'm capable of doing, or I have to bully him and break him down, I will do that.
"I'm in the best shape of my career. I had a brilliant training camp, brilliant sparring, and all I know is that this belt here, this isn't going nowhere.
"I'm going to do whatever it takes to win Saturday night. Even if I've got to outbox this guy, which I know I'm capable of doing, or I have to bully him and break him down, I will do that."
Responding to the height difference, he even joked: "Yeah, but look how tall I am! Everybody is taller than me."
The Birmingham man stands alongside Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Naoya Inoue and Jerwin Ancajas as title holders in a red-hot division and hopes victory will earn a lucrative fight on US soil.
"I'm a lucky man. I've got the chance to make some big money, which is great, but it's good that the division is getting the limelight it deserves, full of great fighters, and I cannot wait to get involved in these big fights.
"But all eyes are on Sho Ishida on Saturday night. I'm not taking my eyes off him. I've took this fight very, very seriously and you will see how serious I am on Saturday night and then I can move onto big things. America, let's go."
Heavyweight Dillian Whyte continues his pursuit of a world title fight on the same undercard, battling Robert Helenius for the WBC Silver belt, and 'The Body Snatcher' plans to pull off a destructive victory this weekend.
"Boxing is about progression and timing," said Whyte. "I'm fighting someone tall and rangy, so it's interesting to see how much I've come on.
Once I get past this fight we can speak about future plans. But I'm here to do damage.
"It's good that he will come with ambition, come to fight. People underestimate me until I'm standing in front of them. Then they realise I'm better and tougher than they think.
"We are having problems getting opponents. Once I get past this fight we can speak about future plans. But I'm here to do damage."
Katie Taylor is challenging for a world title in just her seventh fight as she takes on WBA lightweight champion Anahi Sanchez.
The Uruguayan insisted she is not worried about the reputation of Taylor, despite the glittering amateur record of Ireland's 2012 Olympic gold medallist.
"Everybody thinks [Katie Taylor] will lift my belt but I can tell you that's wrong. It will be a dark night, and a rainy night, for Katie."
But Taylor is relishing the move up to world title level in the 'biggest night' of her career.
"It's a big step-up, that's why I've taken it so seriously," she said. "I've done plenty of rounds to prepare me, I can't wait to show that on Saturday.
"This is the biggest night of my career, since I've turned pro, I've wanted these big fights. These moments will elevate women's boxing."
