KAL CHASES FULL MONTE

Yafai plots a Gonzalez double

KAL YAFAI is looking to put on a show in the playboy’s paradise of Monte Carlo tonight.

But then he wants to head Stateside for a big fight in America as he eyes up becoming a huge star in the super-flyweight division.

Yafai defends his WBA title against challenger Israel Gonzalez at the Monte Carlo Casino.

But it is another Gonzalez he is looking to face if he comes through unscathed in the Principality.

Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez has been the big name among boxing’s little men for the last few years.

The Nicaraguan is without a world title but fighting him would raise Yafai’s profile across the pond.

Yafai said: “My promoter Eddie Hearn has been in talks for that fight and it is one I want.” The Brummie boxer is unbeaten in 24 pro fights ahead of his fourth defence of the title he won in 2016.

He may be Britain’s smallest reigning world champion but Yafai could turn out to be one of the best ever.

And the 29-year-old is aiming to make himself a big name next year in unification fights.

“I train even harder now since I became a world champion because I want to stay at the top,” said Yafai.

“I want the financial rewards to keep coming, I want the bigger pay days. I believe I have the ability to go on and become a unified champion, I could even move up in weight and win more titles.

“It is all in good time. When the time is right for me to do it then I will.

“There will be a chance for me to become a bigger name.

“There are big fights out there in UK and America. I know the big fights will be coming soon.”

But first he cannot look past Gonzalez tonight, even if he is the big favourite at Europe’s hottest gambling spot.

Yafai added: “I want to put on a show. A lot of people and the bookies are writing him off.

“If you look at what he has done and what I have done, then so they should.

“But I know this kid is going to come and give it everything he has got.”