ON Thursday (December 17), Birmingham “Beast”
Gamal Yafai goes into enemy territory when he challenges European super-bantamweight champion
Luca Rigoldi on the Italian’s home turf. Milan’s Allianz Cloud hosts this Matchroom/OPI co-promotion, which will be televised live on DAZN.
Yafai has only fought outside of the UK once before as a professional (in Germany), but the 29-year-old has extensive experience of competing abroad as an amateur, including in Russia, where he picked up a bronze medal at the 2010 European Championships.
All but one of Rigoldi’s pro fights have taken place in Italy. In his sole away appearance in the paid ranks, the Caldogno resident secured the vacant European crown by unanimously outscoring Jeremy Parodi in the Frenchman’s backyard. Since that title triumph in November 2018, Rigoldi has made two successful defences of his belt. However, last time out in December 2019, the 27-year-old was held to a disappointing draw by previous victim Spar
Gamal Yafai has three wins since losing to Gavin McDonnell Photo Credit: Boxing Scene
Matchroom’s Italian arm is in operation this Thursday night in Milan, as a decent looking card is held at Allianz Cloud.
British interest at the top of the card comes in the form of Birmingham’s Gamal Yafai (17-1, KO10) and the 29-year-old challenges for the European Super Bantamweight title against the champion, Luca Rigoldi (22-1-2, KO8).
It’s a bit of a surprise opportunity for Yafai, as he hasn’t been operating at this level recently, and has won three low key contests since a points defeat to Gavin McDonnell in 2018.
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