Kal Yafai: ‘I will be going in with intent to hurt’

What was it like training in Los Angeles to prepare for this fight?

It’s been good. I based myself at Tony Jeffries’ Box ‘N Burn gym. The days I was sparring, I’d spar at Robert Garcia’s gym in Riverside. Robert had a few sparring partners and the one that was best for the opponent was a kid called Joshua Franco, who is pretty similar in size and build and style as well to Carmona as well, which was good.

What do you think of David Carmona?

He’s a solid fighter. He’s tough. He’s got plenty of  experience at this level. It’s his fourth world title shot. He should know what to expect in a world title fight. I’m in good shape and I’m just really excited to get in there on Saturday.

I’m very confident. He’s pretty basic in what he does. He’ll counter your counters. He likes to throw a left hook. He likes to lead off of a left hook. He’s just another boxer to me. I’ve just got to go out there and look good. Do a job on him.

Do you think he’s quite easy to hit?

He does look it in some of his fights. But I’ll find out on Saturday.

Going the distance with [Naoya] Inoue, losing a very close decision to Carlos Cuadras, he must have something about him. I think I should be too much on Saturday.

I plan for 12 rounds but if it doesn’t goes 12 it’s a bonus. But I will be going in on Saturday with intent to hurt.

Jerwin Ancajas (the IBF champion) is on the same bill, do you think a unification with him is on the cards?

Possibly. But I’m basically concentrating on this geezer. I can’t look beyond Carmona on Saturday. Got to stay switched on and make sure that I look good on my US debut. Then after we’ll sit down with the team and see what next. Obviously Ancajas needs to beat [Jonas] Sultan as well. That could be an upset.