Mexican warhorse Francisco Rodriguez Jr has enjoyed a storied career.

He's ventured to Nicaragua, where he lost to a prime Roman Gonzalez, won a pair of strawweight world titles, came up short in an attempt to win the WBO junior flyweight titlist Donnie Nietes and has only lost twice in the past decade against Japanese standouts Kazuto Ioka and Junto Nakatani.

On Saturday, Rodriguez Jr., rated at No. 9 by The Ring at flyweight, will once again go into his opponent’s backyard when he faces Galal Yafai for the vacant WBC Interim flyweight title on Saturday at Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, England.

"I'm already used to that type of scenario," Rodriguez (39-6-1, 27 knockouts) told The Ring through his physical trainer Raul Evanibaldo. "Each of those fights taught me how to adapt from the journey to the ring and in this one I will apply each of those experiences."

Rodriguez expects a tough night at the office against the fast-rising British fighter.

"I hope the fight is enjoyable for those watching us fight," said Rodriguez, who arrived in the UK on June 10. "[Yafai's] a good fighter; he's an Olympic medalist. Regarding what Yafai does well, it's his type of pressure when boxing. I think it will be a good fight."

While Yafai is coming off a career best win over former titleholder Sunny Edwards in December, Rodriguez feels that result somewhat flatters Yafai.

"Yes, I've seen it clearly, he was very good in the Sunny fight," said Rodriguez. "I think Yafai, more than doing well, but Sunny Edwards left a lot to be desired."

The 32-year-old, who has been training hard at home in Monterrey, Mexico, to prepare for what lay ahead and believes he will show out on fight night.

"I think what's necessary to win on June 21 is to reflect my work, some of my best preparations in the ring," he said. "Regarding strategy, I'd rather invite you to watch on June 21 in Birmingham, England."

He knows what victory would mean but is taking it one step at a time.

"That's right, but first it's about winning [against Yafai]," he said. "Then going for [WBA/ WBC titleholder] Kenshiro [Teraji], wherever and whatever it takes. But first I have a commitment this weekend, and Yafai deserves my respect."

Yafai (9-0, 7 KOs), rated at No. 4 by The Ring at flyweight, wasn't able to medal at the 2016 Olympics but returned in 2020 (delayed to 2021) and picked up gold. The youngest of three fighting brothers, turned professional in a 10-round contest and has moved quickly.

The 32-year-old southpaw holds wins over Rocco Santomauro (UD 10), once-touted Agustin Gauto (TKO 8) and, most recently and impressively, former flyweight titleholder Sunny Edwards (TKO 6).

Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at elraincoat@live.co.uk and you can follow him on X @AnsonWainwr1ght.