By William Lloyd: IBF featherweight champion Child Galahad efficiently made weight on Friday after coming in at 125 1/4 kilos on the weigh-in for his title protection in opposition to former IBF tremendous featherweight champion Kiko Martinez (42-10-2, 29 KOs) this Saturday evening on the Sheffield Enviornment in Sheffield, UK. Martinez, 35, weighed in at 125 1/4 lbs as nicely, so the struggle is on!
Within the first weigh-in try, Galahad weighed in over the restrict at 126.1 lbs. After two hours to take the burden off, Galahad, 31, returned to the scales and efficiently weighed in at 125 1/4 lbs.
This would be the first protection for Galahad (28-1, 17 KOs) of his IBF featherweight title after capturing the vacant strap final August by stopping James ‘Jazza’ Dickens within the eleventh spherical.
It ought to be a very good struggle so long as Martinez hangs in there. Having misplaced to Zelfa Barrett earlier this yr by a 12 spherical unanimous choice, you may’t say that Kiko has earned the correct to problem Galahad for his title.
Martinez has clearly been chosen for the struggle as a result of he’s well-known to boxing followers, and he may give a very good struggle with out doubtlessly beating Galahad.
Hearn desires Galahad to remain champion, and if he put him in with a harmful featherweight like Rey Vargas or Mauricio Lara, the result wouldn’t be as sure.
“Kiko Martinez was bang on the burden. His final couple of fights have been at tremendous feather however he’s however featherweight is his weight,” mentioned Eddie Hearn to Boxing Social.
“He appeared sturdy, appeared prepared. I believe we’re going to get a fantastic struggle. I count on Child Galahad to win this struggle, however that’s why we selected Kiko Martinez. He’s going to provide every part he’s acquired whereas he’s in that ring.
“He [WBA ‘regular featherweight champion Leigh Wood] in all probability desires the Metropolis Grounds and Michael Conlan in all probability desires Belfast. Additionally, Madison Sq. Backyard,” mentioned Hearn about champion Leigh Wooden and #1 WBA challenger Conlan in speaking in regards to the location for his or her struggle.
“For me, it’s Madison Sq. Backyard or the Metropolis Grounds. I believe to do a struggle at Madison Sq. Backyard, and I’ve all the time wished to do a struggle at Nottingham Forrest Floor. I’m not simply saying it.
“After we had [Carl] Froch, we by no means had the chance to do it. I believe the entire metropolis would come out and help him, however finally it’ll be right down to the broadcaster and the best way the schedule sits to say, ‘Okay, we would like it on UK struggle time or we would like it on U.S struggle time.’
“Nothing is set but, however it will likely be within the subsequent week. It’s only a large struggle brewing, and clearly, they’ll [Wood and Conlan] have one on tomorrow as nicely as a result of Child Galahad could possibly be preventing the winner,” mentioned Hearn.
