Kal Yafai faces Ray Megrino on Birmingham show headlined by Frankie Gavin
Thursday 2 April 2015 17:56, UK
Kal Yafai will face Rey Megrino for the WBC Silver Flyweight title at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on May 9, live on Sky Sports.
Yafai is gunning for a world title shot at 112lbs after a successful debut at the weight in Sheffield on Saturday night and victory over Megrino could put him into the reckoning at that level.
Philippines fighter Megrino is ranked at No 8 with the WBC and has been in the governing body’s top 10 since stopping former WBC champion Pongsaklek Wonjongkam for the International title in 2012.
“Now is the time for Kal to dive in at world level,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The WBC Silver title is a huge one to collect on your way and Megrino will bring huge ambition.
"The atmosphere at the Barclaycard Arena will be fantastic, this is his breakout night on the world scene. Victory here and we expect a world title shout within the next six to nine months.”
Yafai’s clash with Megrino is part of a huge night of action in Birmingham, as Frankie Gavin faces a crunch clash on home turf against Chris van Heerden for the South African’s IBF International Welterweight title.
World-rated middleweight Matthew Macklin boxes in Birmingham for the first time in almost five years as he looks to bounce back from defeat to Jorge Sebastian Heiland.
Kal’s younger brother Gamal also features on the bill as does Stourbridge youngster Sam Eggington.
