EDDIE HEARN expects a showdown between Galal Yafai and Ricardo Sandoval, the WBC and WBA world flyweight champion, to materialise in the first few months of 2026.
Olympic gold medallist Yafai, 9-1 (7 KOs), became the WBC ‘interim’ belt-holder in November 2024, back when he dished out a commanding sixth-round finish over former world champion Sunny Edwards.
In order to retain his mandatory position at 112lbs, though, the Birmingham man was later ordered to defend his title against number-one ranked contender Francisco Rodriguez Jr.
The pair then squared off in a largely one-sided encounter this past June, with Rodriguez maintaining his prolific punch output to eventually claim a unanimous decision victory.
It did not take long, however, for the nature of his high-volume performance to be explained by a failed drug test, which was conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) on the night of their contest.
According to VADA, the Mexican had tested positive for heptaminol, a cardiac stimulant, after previously being found with THC (cannabis) in his system.
For that particular failed test in December 2024, Rodriguez was handed a 90-day suspension by the Texas Combative Sports Program – a relatively little-known commission – with his eight-round points victory also being overturned to a no-contest.
As for his win over Yafai, the WBC initially attempted to order an immediate rematch between the two flyweights, while also urging Rodriguez to undergo a 12-month probationary period of mandatory drug testing.
Shortly after issuing that ruling, though, the sanctioning body’s president, Mauricio Suliaman, revealed that he had changed his mind and instead reinstated Yafai as the WBC mandatory challenger.
As of now, there has been no comment from the British Boxing Board of Control regarding a possible punishment for Rodriguez, whose controversial victory earlier this year is still recognised on BoxRec.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn, meanwhile, has insisted that Yafai will challenge unified champion Sandoval, 27-2 (18 KOs), who dethroned Kenshiro Teraji with a split decision victory in July, at the beginning of 2026.
“He’s mandatory for Sandoval,” Hearn told Boxing News. “Sandoval was injured [following his victory over Teraji], so that’s been slightly delayed, but Galal Yafai will fight Sandoval for the world title early next year.
“He’s in an unbelievable position. I mean, he went through a rough night [against Rodriguez], but he’s come out the other side and has got a great opportunity to become a world champion.”
