Monday 11 December 2017 15:02, UK
Gamal Yafai wants a shot at British champion Thomas Patrick Ward next year as he looks to put a frustrating twelve months behind him.
The Birmingham super-bantamweight will make his return to the ring on Wednesday night as he fights over a scheduled eight rounds at London's York Hall on a card headlined by Katie Taylor which is live on Sky Sports.
'The Beast', a former Commonwealth champion, has not fought since defeating local rival Sean Davis back in May, and now Yafai wants to notch up another win on his resume before kicking on next year.
I believe I'm the best super-bantamweight in the country and I'm determined to prove it.
"It has been a very frustrating year for me," the 26-year-old exclusively told Sky Sports, "I don't really know why I haven't fought in so long, I've been ready and waiting, ticking over in the gym, nothing's come up though.
"It's seven months since I fought Davis so I'm delighted to just be out again and now I want to crack on from here and stay busy.
"This upcoming fight will let me get rid of some ring rust and then, in 2018, I want to start working my way up the rankings, to get a world ranking or something similar would be great.
"The next logical step is the British title and I would love a shot at Ward. It could be a hard fight to make, but I'm happy to go on the road or be the away fighter, I just need to get the offer.
"Ward is a good little boxer, I do rate him and we're both at a similar stage in our career, it's exactly the test I need. Of course I'm confident that I would win, I believe I'm the best super-bantamweight in the country and I'm determined to prove it."
Yafai's fight this week will mark the first time the Birmingham star has fought in London for over three years and the hard-hitting 26-year-old is excited about returning to the capital.
"This is a great show to be on and I'm looking forward to seeing some of the other lads on the bill there's some great talent on show," he continued.
"I haven't fought in London since early on in my career so it's great to box in front of the London crowd again.
It's my first time at York Hall in the pros but I've been there in the amateurs and it's a fantastic venue with a great atmosphere. I'm determined to put on a good show."
You can watch Katie Taylor against Jessica McCaskill, Martin J Ward versus Juli Giner and Conor Benn, Lawrence Okolie, Josh Kelly, and Joe Cordina in action at York Hall live from 6pm this Wednesday on Sky Sports Action.
