Press Release
British rivals Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail will contest the IBO super-bantamweight title on June 21 at BP Pulse LIVE in Birmingham.
Also on the card, Galal Yafai will take on Francisco Rodriguez for the interim WBC flyweight title.
Stoke-on-Trent’s Masoud, 14-0 (4), claimed the IBO belt with an impressive decision win over Telford’s Liam Davies in November, while Liverpool’s McGrail, 11-1 (6) was last seen outpointing Rhys Edwards over 10 rounds in May.
“I’m excited and ready to defend my IBO world title in Birmingham on June 21," said Masoud. “I’ve been in the gym since the last victory over Liam Davies in November. This is another big domestic fight against Peter McGrail that I know will bring the best out of me. I’m looking forward to showing everyone what I’m about again.”
“I can't wait for this one,” said McGrail. “I respect Shabaz Masoud. He’s a top fighter. But the best version of Peter McGrail beats any super-bantamweight in the world, and that’s what you’ll get June 21 in Birmingham.”
Birmingham’s Yafai, 9-0 (7 KOs), stopped former IBF flyweight king Sunny Edwards in six rounds at BP Pulse LIVE in November. Next, on June 21, he puts his WBC interim title on the line for the first time against Mexico’s Rodriguez, 39-6-1 (27), with a shot at Japan’s unified WBC and WBA flyweight champion Kenshiro Teraji in store for the winner.
“I’m excited to be fighting back in my home city of Birmingham, I can’t wait to put on a show against a top fighter,” said Yafai. “I’m looking forward to getting through this one and fighting for the world title.”
“I have been waiting for two years to fight for the WBC 112-pound belt,” said Rodriguez. “I have been world champion at 105 pounds and 108 pounds. Galal Yafai has never been in the ring with a fighter like me – real Mexican style! Come June 21 the WBC belt is mine and will be going back to wear it belongs. Viva Mexico!”
Meanwhile, Wolverhampton’s Conah Walker, 15-3-1 (6), makes the maiden defence of his British welterweight title against mandatory challenger Liam Taylor, 28-2-1 (14), and cruiserweight prospect Pat Brown, 1-0 (1), looks to build on his action-packed professional debut in Altrincham last month in what will be his second pro fight.
In addition, Birmingham super-featherweight Ibraheem Sulaimaan, 7-0 (4) returns to action, and heavy-handed Coventry middleweight Aaron Bowen, 5-0 (3) fights for the second time in 2025. Also, Walsall flyweight Hamza Uddin, 4-0 (1), continues his rise on the June 21 card.
