Norberto Jimenez calls out Khalid Yafai

By Robert Coster

WBA #1 junior bantamweight contender Norberto “Meneito” Jimenez has started his training in view of facing WBA 115lb champion Khalid Yafai of the United Kingdom. Jimenez (29-8-4, 16 KOs) of the Dominican Republic has informed Fightnews.com that his bout against Yafai should be a fact before the end of the year.

Says Jimenez, “I’m the number one contender and the Englishman has to fight me, no ifs or buts. I’m waiting for a letter from the WBA. Yafai, no more hiding from me, OK? Let’s get it on. I’m willing to fight you in your own backyard!”The reigning champion is unbeaten at 24-0, 15 KOs, but Jimenez is no easy mark–the Dominican is a slick, unorthodox fighter who is known to rise to the occasion.

Jimenez started his career in dismal fashion, losing 8 of his first 11 fights but he then turned around his numbers and hasn’t lost a fight in over 7 years. In December 2014, Jimenez traveled to Japan and fought world Champion Kohei Kono, a bout which ended in a controversial draw.

“I didn’t win the title because referee Rafael Ramos took a point away from me,” remembers Jimenez, “but that is in the past– now my manager and I are waiting for the WBA to give us the green light to fight the champion in his country or wherever in the next three months.”