Masoud vs McGrail headlines June 21 DAZN show in Birmingham

Fast-rising super bantamweights Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail will headline a summer card that also features an interim super flyweight title fight between Galal Yafai and Francisco Rodriguez Jr

Apologies for being so late on this one; saw it over the weekend and then completely forgot until now.

Matchroom announced over the weekend that rising super bantamweights Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail will meet in a June 21st DAZN main event in Birmingham, England.

“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.”

Masoud (14-0, 4 KO) is coming off a November split decision over amateur rival Liam Davies, which went a good way towards erasing the stink of his razor-thin victory over unheralded Jose Sanmartin the previous year. McGrail (11-1, 6 KO) has spent the last few fights on the comeback trail as well, winning three straight since a disastrous knockout loss to Ja’Rico O’Quinn that he never got a chance to avenge.

With both pushing 30, a win here should propel the victor onto the world stage.

A strong co-feature pits Olympic gold medalist Galal Yafai (9-0, 7 KO) against tough veteran Francisco “Chihuas” Rodriguez Jr (39-6-1, 27 KO) for the interim WBC super flyweight title. as I said last time, Rodriguez will be the underdog but has enough tricks up his sleeve to tell us whether Yafai’s win over Sunny Edwards was a product of his own skills or Edwards’ rapid decline.

“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!”

Also on tap are Conah Walker (15-3-1, 6 KO) vs Liam Taylor (28-2-1, 14 KO) and the return of Team GB big man Pat Brown (1-0, 1 KO).