Showing posts with label Juan Francisco Estrada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Juan Francisco Estrada. Show all posts

Monday, December 5, 2022

Estrada-Gonzalez: Will The Rivalry Continue?

 

When it comes to trilogies in the sport of Boxing, it is logical to assume that when a fighter is able to emerge with two victories out of three bouts that in most cases that would conclude the story/rivalry between two fighters. There are times however, when no matter what the results are between two fighters over a series of fights, the question becomes will the rivalry continue beyond three fights.

 

While it is rare to see a series of fights exceed three bouts due to both the politics that be in the sport as well and perhaps more specifically, the accumulation of punishment fighters sustain not only in the course of a series of bouts, but in their careers in general, there have been exceptions. Many will recall the series of fights between Sugar Ray Robinson and Jake LaMotta in the 1940’s and 1950’s that extended to six bouts between the two, despite Robinson winning five of those fights.

 

Some may ask why where there six fights between the two given not only that Robinson won five of those battles, but also what would make the continuation of the series appealing to the Boxing fan. This observer feels that the simplest answer comes down to the adage of “Styles Make Fights.” In that it does not necessarily matter to some fans as to who will win a fight between two fighters or how many times, they face each other. There are times where the styles of two fighters simply mesh so well that no matter how many times two fighters enter the ring to do battle against each other, the fan whether they be attending a fight in person or watching on television/streaming is almost guaranteed to see an entertaining fight.

 

In the case of Jr. Bantamweights Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, the styles of both men would appear to mesh perfectly where they will almost always produce a close and competitive fight that will entertain the vast majority of Boxing fans. On December 3rd, the two multi-division world champions entered the ring for their third encounter at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ. As it stood entering fight three between the two, each man had won victory a piece, each in exciting and competitive fights that went the distance. Fight three would turn out to be no different.

 

The early rounds appeared to favor Estrada, who’s WBC Jr. Bantamweight world championship was on the line in this fight. Estrada appeared to out box Gonzalez during much of the first six rounds of the fight by doing what he did in the second bout, in which he won in March of last year, using lateral movement and combination punching to offset the pressure of Gonzalez. While the fight was very competitive at this stage, it seemed at least to this observer that Gonzalez was a step behind Estrada, which allowed the champion to gain the edge. At the halfway point in the fight, I felt that Estrada had done enough to win four out of six rounds. Despite the appearance that might give of a lopsided bout favoring one fighter, I knew based on past history of both fighters that the bout would not be decided at the conclusion of six rounds of a scheduled twelve round bout unless of course, one fighter were able to knock out the other or an instance of a fight being stopped due to an accidental foul or an injury. I did however, begin to wonder at this point in fight three whether Estrada would be able to continue to box his way towards what was looking like could be something that we had not seen as of yet in this trilogy, a clear victory that would not be debated.

 

Over the second half of the fight, Gonzalez found his rhythm and was able to turn things from a Boxing match fought at a high pace into more of a toe to toe battle, though the pace remained the same, very high with both fighters fighting a full three minutes of every round. Although I felt Estrada was ahead going into round seven, the problem at least for me as the fight progressed was that as Gonzalez began to get into the fight, rounds seven through twelve were very close where who won those rounds could likely be determined by moments in a round more so than one fighter out landing/out working the other. While this is a credit to Gonzalez’ skillset and ability to adapt when it appeared as though the fight was getting away from him in terms of how it was scored, it created a conundrum for those who were scoring both in an official capacity or an unofficial capacity to determine who was getting the upper hand. This was due to one fighter in Estrada tending to throw his punches in combination, but Gonzalez being able to make up ground by landing hard flush punches. Even though Gonzalez’ shots at this point in the fight tended to be one at a time, when he did land, he appeared to get the better of the action.

 

As was the case in the previous two encounters, entering the final rounds, I felt the fight was close and could go either way, even though I still felt Estrada was doing enough to earn the victory. It was indisputable however, that Gonzalez had succeeded in closing the gap and the question that began the go through my mind was whether his rally would be enough to sway the fight in his favor. At the conclusion of another hotly contested twelve rounds between the two fighters, I arrived with a scorecard of seven rounds to five or 115-113 in points in favor of Estrada.

 

The basis of my scorecard was largely based on how effective Estrada was in the first half of the fight. A misconception that some can have at times, particularly those who do not understand how Boxing is scored is even if a fighter is able to rally in the middle and late rounds of a fight, without the benefit of knockdowns or being able to clearly win rounds that were closely fought, it can be difficult to close the gap in terms of the scorecards. While Gonzalez did manage to turn what was a four rounds to two deficit on my scorecard at the conclusion of the first six rounds into a closer fight ending up being on the losing end at the conclusion of the fight by two rounds/two points, I believe it was a case where he ran out of rounds.

 

Despite the view and basis of scoring of this fight in an unofficial capacity by yours truly, I felt that the fight could have gone either way and I was almost expecting the official scores to result in a draw being the result of this fight. For those who may wonder why even though I ended up with a seven rounds to five scorecard at the end of the bout, that I would almost expect a draw to be announced as the final result, as I have often said through the many years that I have covered the sport that when it comes to close fights it will often come down to what a judge prefers in their own criteria based on clean punching, effective aggression, ring generalship, and defense that will determine how they score a fight.

 

Speaking only for myself as someone who has spent most of his life covering Boxing and having seen and covered thousands of fights on every level the sport has to offer, how I may see things even though I have both experience and insight to back up how I score, may not necessarily be how three official judges might see the same fight, much less others who are scoring unofficially whether they be fans or fellow members of Boxing media that are also covering a bout. It was nevertheless not a surprise to me to see a close decision announced with one official judge scoring the bout a draw, while two official judges scored the bout seven rounds to five 115-113 in points and eight rounds to four, 116-112 in points for Estrada giving him the victory via majority decision.

 

Ultimately, the two judges who scored this bout in favor of Estrada had a one round difference in their scoring, but that does not change the fact that like the previous two fights, fight three between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez was very close. Should there be a fourth fight between the two? This observer is not against the idea of a potential fourth bout between the two because again, “Styles Make Fights,” and if one were to poll Boxing fans, I believe that they would welcome a continuation of what has been one of the sport’s more memorable rivalries in the recent history of the sport.

 

There is also context in the recent past that would seemingly open the door for a fourth bout. Many will recall the heated rivalry that stretched multiple weight classes between legends Manny Pacquaio and recent Hall of Fame inductee Juan Manuel Marquez, who fought four times in an epic series of fights with a disputed draw in their first fight, followed by two close decision wins by Pacquiao, which fueled demand for a fourth fight. In fight four in December 2012 where both men scored knockdowns of each other, it was Marquez who emerged victorious knocking Pacquiao out in brutal fashion with a perfectly time counter right hand that was thrown in a defensive manner as Pacquiao charged Marquez in the closing seconds of the sixth round. Pacquiao was out cold on the canvas for several minutes. The rivalry between the two concluded with this bout with Pacquiao winning two bouts, one draw, and Marquez’ victory in the final encounter. While I felt that the Marquez victory in fight four and more specifically how it came opened the possibility of a fifth fight between the two, there would be no continuation between the two fighters as Marquez would only fight twice more before retiring in 2014. As most know, Pacquiao continued fighting until losing his last bout to Yordenis Ugas in August of last year, retiring shortly after the fight to focus on his political ambitions in his native Philippines where he has served as a congressman and a senator.

 

Will there be a fourth bout between Estrada and Gonzalez? After three toe to toe wars between the two in fights that were all Fight of the Year candidates, it may be a question of both what either fighter has left in them at this stage in their careers and also whether the money is right for both fighters to make a fourth fight viable. Considering that both Estrada and Gonzalez are part of a crop of fighters in Boxing’s lowest weight divisions that has brought long overdue recognition and exposure of those weight classes in main events here in the United States in recent years, and both fighters like Robinson, LaMotta, Pacquiao, and Marquez are destined to be Hall of Famers when all is said and done, if both fighters are healthy, why not continue the rivalry while both are still near their primes? At the end of the day, much like the rivalries mentioned in this column and some others that I personally could go on and on about, it likely will not matter who ends up with more wins between Estrada and Gonzalez. It will instead be the fights themselves and more specifically how they were fought that will be discussed by Boxing fans and those of us who cover the sport for many years to come.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

Friday, December 2, 2022

Estrada -Gonzalez 3 Preview

Perhaps it is a mere coincidence, but the first Saturday in the final month of 2022 in the sport of Boxing is highlighted by two trilogy bouts ranging from one of the sport’s lightest divisions to it’s heaviest. While this observer has already penned a preview of the third encounter between WBC Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury and longtime contender Dereck Chisora, the second trilogy bout that will take place on Saturday, December 3rd is one that is also highly anticipated. Yours truly is referring to the third battle between WBC Jr. Bantamweight world champion Juan Francisco Estrada and four-division world champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez. A fight that will headline a Boxing card from the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ that can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN.

Although the Fury-Chisora third bout has come in an unconventional way with Fury having won the previous two fights, the Estrada -Gonzalez trilogy is the more standard set up when most think of a three-fight series between two fighters with each having won one bout. In their last encounter in March of last year, Estrada evened the score by avenging his November 2012 loss to Gonzalez by scoring a twelve round split decision to retain his WBC crown. The first two fight between these two were fought at an extremely high pace and it would be logical to assume that the third encounter might be similar. Why could one make that assumption? 

While the possibility certainly exists that both fighters will look to make tactical adjustments having seen what each other can do after sharing the ring for two twelve round battles, sometimes the old adage of “Styles Make Fights” holds true in that no matter how many times two fighters face each other, the combat tends to be fought in a similar way. If there were slight differences between the first and second bouts it was that in fight two, Estrada used significantly more movement to offset the pressure of Gonzalez, which also allowed him to stay off the ropes. Something that he did not do consistently in the first fight.

Although the combat in fight two was fierce as was the case in the first encounter, the subtle difference in Estrada’s approach as well as seeming to get the upper hand in several of the exchanges resulted in a close victory for him. Now the task for the champion, which may be easier said than done, particularly in regard to a fight in the sport's lower divisions where fights are fought typically at an exhausting pace, will be to try and duplicate and improve on what proved to be a winning strategy last time against Gonzalez. In contrast, Gonzalez must look to cut off the ring and try to limit Estrada’s movement as best as he can.

One thing that a fan should keep in mind as this fight approaches is that both men have been through many wars including the two against each other. Although neither fighter is necessarily near the end of their respective careers, one should wonder when the accumulation of all the battles each fighter has been through will begin to show as they continue on with their careers. It should also not be overlooked that the careers of fighters that compete in Boxing’s lower weight classes tend to be shorter than those who fight at heavier weights with rare exceptions. Whether or not that can be attributed to the pace in which fights at lower weights tend to be fought is a subject to discuss and debate at another time.

One can only hope however, given the fierce battles that Estrada and Gonzalez have given us that both have enough left in them to produce what could, like the last two encounters, be a Fight of the Year candidate. Will chapter three between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez be another classic? We will find out on Saturday, December 3rd.


“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

Estrada vs. Gonzalez 3 takes place on Saturday, December 3rd at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ. The fight as well as its full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 5PM ET/2PM PT with Before The Bell, featuring preliminary bouts, followed by the main card beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT (U. S. Times only.) 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area, and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison 

Thursday, August 18, 2022

ESTRADA TOPS WORLD TITLE TRIPLE-HEADER IN MEXICO ON SEPT 3, LIVE WORLDWIDE ON DAZN

Credit: DAZN

Press Release: By DAZN –  August 18, 2022 – Juan Francisco Estrada makes his highly anticipated return to the ring defending his WBC Franchise and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles against Argi Cortes on Saturday, September 3, from Centro de Usos Multiples in Hermosillo, Mexico and broadcast live to all subscribers worldwide on DAZN – topping a World title triple-header as Erika Cruz vs. Jelena Mrdjenovich meet in a rematch for the WBA World Featherweight title rematch and Hector Flores vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga clash for the vacant IBF World Flyweight title.

Fans will be thrilled to see Estrada (42-3 28 KOs) make a welcome return to the ring, with the Mexican back through the ropes for the first time since edging out Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in their epic rematch in Dallas in March 2021. ‘El Gallo’ welcomes Cortes to his hometown and the same arena he stopped Dewayne Beamon in August 2019, and the Hermosillo hero will want to put on another show for his fans. Cortes (23-2-2 10 KOs) lands the biggest fight of his career in his 28th pro outing, with the Mexico City man aiming upset his fellow countryman and become a household name overnight.

There are two more World title bouts on the bill, starting with the long-awaited rematch between Cruz and Mrdjenovich for the WBA World Featherweight title. Cruz (14-1 3 KOs) ripped the title from long-time champion Mrdjenovich (41-11-2 19 KOs) in April 2021, with the Mexican ending the five-year rule of the Canadian on the cards after an accidental headclash halted the contest after seven rounds. Cruz successfully defended the belt in Puerto Vallarta in November via split decision over Melissa Esquivel, while the former champion returns for the first time since the first battle.

The vacant IBF World Flyweight title is on the line between unbeaten pair Flores and Nontshinga. Both men taste their first World title action as Tijuana’s Flores (20-0-4 10 KOs) builds on his victory over Welsh World title challenger Jay Harris in Wales in November, while hard-punching Nontshinga (10-0 9 KOs) fights outside his native South Africa for the first time and comes into the bout on the back of his first points win in his tenth bout having beaten his previous nine foes inside the distance.

Also featuring on the card is Super-Featherweight dangerman Eduardo Hernandez, defending his WBC Silver International title against Jorge Mata. Hernandez (32-1 29 KOs) pulled off a stunning victory last time out, blitzing Jorge Castaneda inside a round in Guadalajara in June to land the title he defends against Mata (14-0-2 10 KOs), the unbeaten 21 year old Tijuana native who fights for his first pro title.

“It’s great to be back and I’m very excited that I’ll get to fight in front of all the Sonoran fans and in front of my growing family,” said Estrada. “Thanks to all those who helped make this happen. Whenever two Mexicans go at it you can always expect a war and this fight against Cortes will be another great Mexican battle in Hermosillo. We’re ready to put on another great show and get back in action to show the fans that El Gallo is one of the best in boxing.”

“I’m very excited for this great opportunity to fight Estrada,” said Cortes. “I will give everything I have for the victory; I will surprise the world. I have Mr. Nacho Beristain on my corner and we have a great game plan to defeat a legend like Estrada.”

“I am so excited to get back in the ring,” said Cruz. “I want to retire Jelena once it for all and go after the unification fight!”

“I’m really excited to get back into the ring again,” said Mrdjenovich. “We have been working hard to put this fight together for some time and I want to thank Eric Gomez for closing the deal finally. 

“Training has been fun and exciting again. I am looking forward to coming to Mexico to get my belt back in a big way.”

“This is the opportunity that I have always dreamed of, and I will make the most of it,” said Flores. “It gives me more motivation for to bring it to Mexico and with the aim of giving Mexico and Tijuana a new World champion.”

“Am looking forward to this contest,” said Nontshinga. “I have been training very hard for this and look forward to becoming World Champion in Mexico.”

“I'm in a very good place mentally, emotionally and physically,” said Hernandez. “My team has been keeping me active and that's all I wanted, God willing after this win I want to take on the biggest names in my division.”

“I’m currently at my best and this is a long-waited opportunity for me,” said Mata. “I have a lot of respect for Rocky Hernandez, but this is my time to show the world what I’m made of. I am ready to be at this level, I will win no matter how.”

“This is a brilliant line-up for what promises to be another explosive night of action in Mexico,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s great to see Juan Francisco back in the ring at a time when the Super-Flyweight division is just stacked with great fights, and I expect him to lay down a marker as the top dog in Mexico.

“Erika and Jelena have been itching to get the rematch on and they will leave it all in the ring, there’s a golden opportunity for either Hector or Sivenathi to take a seat at the top table at 108lbs and ‘Rocky’ Hernandez always brings fireworks when he steps through the ropes. Our shows in Mexico have delivered must-see action from first bell to last, and I expect more of the same on September 3.”

“We are thrilled to have Estrada back fighting again on DAZN,” said Joseph Markowski EVP DAZN Group. “He will join some of the biggest names in the sport fighting on DAZN in 2022 with Usyk vs. AJ this Saturday, Canelo vs. GGG trilogy fight on Sept 17, and perhaps the biggest UK fight this decade in Eubank Jr vs. Benn in October. All these and more will be shown live this fall on DAZN.”

Material and Photo Courtesy of DAZN Used with permission. 

For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices, platforms, Smart TVs, availability around the world, local start times in your area and to subscribe please visit: www.DAZN.com 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

Monday, March 7, 2022

Gonzalez-Martinez Thoughts

 

For many years and with rare exceptions Boxing’s lower weight divisions received sporadic television exposure here in the United States. Of course, the rare exceptions include fighters like Michael Carbajai, Jorge Arce, and Ricardo Lopez to name three notable exceptions were able to break through what some would call a glass ceiling and receive valuable television exposure due largely to their crowd pleasing styles, which resonated as much here in the U.S. as it did internationally where consistent television exposure for the sport’s lowest weight divisions is more consistent. There is no dispute that all three men had legendary careers and are regarded as three of the best fighters throughout the entire sport’s history.

 

In more recent years thanks largely to the advent of digital streaming networks and a gradual decrease of Boxing programming on traditional television platforms, fighters in the lower weight divisions have been able to take advantage of the increased exposure that digital streaming television has to offer. No longer are fighters below the 126lb. Featherweight division relegated to sporadic television coverage and/or obscure undercard bouts on overpriced pay-per-view Boxing cards, but rather fighters in the lower weight classes have been moved into main event positions. One such fighter who has been able to take advantage of this is former four-division world champion Roman Gonzalez, a fighter known to his fans by one simple name “Chocolatito.”  

 

As has been the case for several lower weight fighters, Gonzalez has had a long career that began at an early age as a professional and at the age of thirty-four after fifty-three professional fights, many of which have been grueling wars, it was logical to at least ask how much more Gonzalez might have left, especially when one keeps in mind that when it comes to Boxing’s lower weight divisions it is not uncommon to see a fighter’s career end by their mid-30’s. While that can be attributed to both the fact that many fighters in lower weight classes begin their pro careers as teenagers as well as the quick and often grueling pace in which many fights in those divisions are fought, there are exceptions where fighters are able to extend their careers beyond their mid-30’s and in some cases be able to compete into their 40’s.

 

Although this observer can expand on that subject further, for Gonzalez, the only four-division world champion in the history of his native Nicaragua, surpassing the legendary late great Alexis Arguello, at this stage of his career, the goal appears obvious, setting his sights on trying to win a world championship in a fifth weight class. Before he could turn his attention to that goal, Gonzalez would return to the ring on March 5th at the San Diego Sports Arena, now known as Pechanga Arena in San Diego, CA.

 

Originally, this was to be the much anticipated third encounter between Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada. As some may recall, Estrada earned a twelve round split decision victory in their second encounter in March of last year. A fight that some felt Gonzalez deserved the decision. While Estrada’s win evened the two fights between the two following Gonzalez’ win in November 2012, unfortunately the third encounter between the two is still something that would not occur on March 5th due to Estrada contracting the COVID-19 virus. In stepped WBC Flyweight world champion Julio Cesar Martinez who moved up in weight to the 115lb. Jr. Bantamweight division on limited notice for this bout. Complicating things for Martinez, he failed to make the 115lb. weight limit. Although this did not effect the fight in terms of its taking place, it did remove Martinez from being eligible to win a WBC Diamond belt, which in the overall picture simply means one of the titles that is used both for special occasions as deemed by the World Boxing Council (WBC) or as a means to move fighters into world title contention.

 

The politics that be in the sport notwithstanding, this figured to be an all action fight as both fighters have crowd pleasing styles. Even though it did not disappoint in terms of entertainment value, the main story of this fight was Gonzalez and his ability to use angles and strategically place his punches to the body and head of Martinez. Although Martinez had periods of effectiveness in which he was able to use his aggression to his advantage, Gonzalez’ punch placement and ability to both set up as well as execute his offense was simply too much for Martinez to overcome on that evening. Despite appearing as though he may have been on the verge of being stopped by Gonzalez late in the fight however, Martinez showed his mettle and made it to the final bell in losing a hard fought twelve round unanimous decision.

 

For Gonzalez, the fifty-first victory of his career in fifty-four fights puts him right back in line for another world title shot. For a fighter who has won world championships from the 105lb. Minimumweight division to the 115lb. Jr. Bantamweight division, the question seems obvious. At this stage of his career, will Gonzalez attempt to become Nicaragua’s first five-division world champion by attempting to move up to the 118lb. Bantamweight division to challenge for a world title?

 

This observer cannot answer that question for his readers. Perhaps before we see Roman Gonzalez test the waters at Bantamweight, I personally would like to see the third encounter between Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada, who is the current WBC/WBA Jr. Bantamweight world champion. After two very competitive fights over the last decade, each that could have been scored either way, as well as the fact that the third encounter would have taken place if Estrada did not contract COVID-19, it is unfinished business between the two. Whether or not a third fight does take place later this year or if Gonzalez will move up to Bantamweight will likely come down to how quickly Estrada will be able to be cleared to resume competition.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

 

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Thoughts On Recent Action:March 10th-13th, 2021

 

As is sometimes the case in the sport of Boxing, it can be a challenge for one to keep track on everything that goes on day to day. While this observer certainly does his best to cover events as they take place, there are times when circumstances warrant that events be covered/discussed in summary-form. This column will discuss some of the events in the Boxing world that took place between the days of March 10th and March 13th. Although Welterweight Lewis Crocker’s victory over Deniz Ilbay, which took place in Bolton, England also took place during this period of time, the reader will be taken on a journey of sorts that will begin with a card in Uncasville, CT, venture to one that took place in Bangkok, Thailand, which featured the return of a former world champion, to Dallas, TX for two highly anticipated rematches, all the way back to Uncasville, CT where an intriguing Super-Middleweight encounter closed the week of events.

 

Our journey begins on March 10th at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT where the latest edition of Showtime Sports’ popular ShoBox: The New Generation series took place. Among the bouts that were fought on this card were two Lightweight bouts each pitting unbeaten prospects against each other as well as a fast-rising Jr. Welterweight contender facing what some felt was the biggest test of his career.

 

The first of the two Lightweight bouts saw unbeaten Victor Padilla overcome a knockdown in the first round to score a knockout of previously undefeated Thomas Velasquez in the fifth round. Padilla, who entered the fight unbeaten in eight previous professional bouts had scored knockouts in seven of those fights. A staple of the ShoBox series over its twenty year history has been consistently matching rising prospects with records similar in scope to Padilla against fighters who can provide a test for them as they look to progress towards world title contention. For a time, this is what Velasquez, who entered with a record of 10-0-1, with 6 Knockouts, appeared to be doing not only by dropping Padilla in the first round with a right hand to the chest, but also using a cagey Boxing style that disrupted Padilla from being able to find his offensive rhythm.

 

 This changed dramatically in round five when Padilla connected with devastating right hook to the jaw that rocked Velasquez and lead to him being knocked down. Velasquez was able to get up, but a follow up barrage of offense from Padilla resulted in the fight being stopped. Although this was not a come from behind victory reminiscent of a good movie or television drama, Padilla did pass a test here in this fight and was able to answer a question that is inevitably asked of all rising prospects throughout all of combat sports, how will they respond to adversity? While ultimately the knockdown he suffered in round one was more of a case of him being off balance rather than being hurt, Padilla still had to respond to it and did show an ability to adjust to an opponent with a difficult style to turn things around and get a victory, which is really all you can ask of a fighter.

 

The second Lightweight bout on this card saw Steven Ortiz edge out previously unbeaten Jeremy Hill over eight rounds to earn a unanimous decision to move his record to 12-0, with 3 Knockouts. Although this fight did not have the highlights that the Padilla-Velasquez bout did, Ortiz simply did what he had to do in order to get the win. Whether or not Ortiz will be an opponent for Padilla down the line remains to be seen, but style wise, Ortiz is a boxer that might be capable or providing Padilla with a another test, which may be a logical bout for a future ShoBox card.

 

Questions regarding a prospect’s ability to adapt have been also been asked of Jr. Welterweight contender Brandun Lee. Lee, who emerged quickly as a hot rising prospect in 2019, was featured in the main event of this card against veteran Samuel Teah. For Lee, who entered unbeaten in twenty-one professional bouts, having scored knockouts in nineteen of those fights, Teah appeared on the surface to be a fighter that might be able to answer questions about Lee. What made this interesting was that Lee had quickly built a reputation since making his television debut on the ShoBox series as a “Knockout Artist” routinely scoring the type of knockouts that show up on highlight reels.

 

In Samuel Teah, Lee faced a veteran of twenty-one bouts like himself, but one who had shown an ability to defeat fighters thought to be prospects in a similar position as Lee was at one point and more importantly, Teah had never been stopped or knocked down in his career. A misconception that can happen from time to time in regard to fighters who are able to score quick knockouts is that they go into a bout with the intention of trying to end the fight with every punch they throw.

 

This was a fight where Brandun Lee showed patience in implementing a tactical approach where he showed he can box in using lateral movement, combination punching, and counter punching when he had opportunities to. It was one such combination to the head that sent Teah down in round three, answering the question of whether he could drop a fighter that had never been knocked down. Lee would answer the next question of whether he could stop a fighter that had never been knocked out before moments later when he dropped Teah with a brutal right hook to the head that sent him down for the second time and out on the canvas. 

 

As much as this was another statement-making performance by Brandun Lee, the question of who can provide the now 22-0 contender with a test. In my view, Lee is at the point where he should face a fighter rated in the top fifteen of a sanctioning organization’s rankings in the talent-deep 140lb. Jr. Welterweight division in his next fight in order to determine whether or not he is ready to face someone close to getting a shot at a world championship. With world champions Jose Ramirez and Josh Taylor set to meet for the Undisputed Jr. Welterweight championship of the world in May, the immediate future of world championship bouts in the division is in limbo. If Lee can continue to win however, and do so against top rated opposition, it certainly is a possibility that he will be a potential opponent for either Ramirez or Taylor at some point. It would also not surprise me to see Lee enter the 147lb. Welterweight division in the future.

 

Now we venture to Bangkok, Thailand in the form of the written word where former two-time WBC Jr. Bantamweight world champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai returned to the ring on March 13th (March 12th In the United States) to face former WBA Minimumweight world champion Kwanthai Sithmorseng. As has been the case throughout the ongoing global COVID-19 epidemic, this fight took place in a studio setting not unlike cards that have taken place in Uncasville, CT last August. An arena converted into a studio atmosphere where no spectators beyond essential personnel were permitted to attend due to COVID-19 protocols. 

 

Sor Rungvisai implemented a systematic attack from the opening bell gradually walking Sithmorseng down and ripping hard body punches as well as offense to Sithmorseng’s head. Sithmorseng, who’s prime was as a 105lb. Minimumweight, could not offer any resistance beyond trying as best as he could to cover up. The gradual beating resulted in a knockdown of Sithmorseng in the final minute of the third round when under significant punishment, he took a knee. Sithmorseng did get up from the knockdown, but signaled to his corner with a simple gesture of shaking his head that he did not want much more. After completing the third round, the bout was stopped giving Sor Rungvisai a stoppage win. While this fight amounted to little more than a short short workout for Sor Rungvisai, in the overall picture, as the number one contender in the WBC’s 115lb. Jr. Bantamweight division, the victory over Sithmorseng puts him in line to face the winer of the WBC/WBA unification battle between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez.

 

Coincidentally, our journey now takes us to that fight, a rematch that took place on March 13th at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. Although this is a rarity for yours truly after over two decades of covering every level of the sport, it needs to be pointed out for accuracy purposes that in previewing this fight, I incorrectly referred to Gonzalez, who won the World Boxing Association’s Jr. Bantamweight championship in February of last year as the challenger, when in fact this rematch of a fight Gonzalez won in November 2012, was a unification bout. While this does not happen regularly for yours truly, even those who cover the sport full time can make errors from time to time, which when one takes into account the WBA’s structure of recognizing world champions followed by multiple fighters who hold interim/regular champion status in a given weight class, such errors albeit rare, is understandable. Fortunately for Gonzalez, he entered the fight as the WBA world champion and no such confusion was attached to that.

 

As for the fight itself, a question that is often asked of rematches that follow an action-packed initial encounter is whether the rematch will be similar or even exceed what are often high expectations. Much like the first fight between the two men, the combat between the two fighters was very competitive and came down to subtle differences that ultimately determined who had the upper hand. In the first fight Gonzalez was able to get the victory based largely on the pressure he was able to apply on Estrada as well as his being able to back him up against the ropes as the fight progressed.

 

The second fight saw Estrada being able to use lateral movement more to turn and offset Gonzalez’ pressure. If there was also an element that one could point to as different in comparison to the first fight, it was that Estrada was not caught on the ropes as often and seemed to get the better of many of the exchanges. The fight was nevertheless closely fought depending on one’s perspective and the result of a split decision victory in favor of Estrada appears to set the stage for an inevitable third fight.

 

Before that fight can occur however, Estrada is likely to first complete his trilogy with Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and that will likely lead to a third fight against Gonzalez for the winner as Gonzalez has now fought both men twice. In this observer’s view, Gonzalez will probably fight both men again before all three fighters retire from the sport.

 

The co-main event of the Estrada-Gonzalez rematch was a rematch for the Undisputed Women’s Welterweight championship of the world between Jessica McCaskill and former longtime champion Cecilia Braekhus. An immediate rematch of what many considered an upset last year where McCaskill dethroned Braekhus in a narrow decision ending her decade-long reign atop the Welterweight division as well as ending Braekhus’ attempt to surpass Joe Louis for most consecutive title defenses in a single reign in the history of the sport.

 

While the first fight was closely fought and saw McCaskill outwork Braekhus over ten rounds, the second encounter was more definitive as the champion essentially repeated her strategy from the first fight. Bringing the fight to Braekhus and forcing the former champion into a fight that was not to her advantage. Unlike the first fight however, McCaskill was able to hurt Braekhus with hard right hands throughout the rematch. It was this approach that proved to be successful for a second time as McCaskill would retain her undisputed crown, this time by unanimous decision. Whether it is a case of a bad clash of styles or looking toward retirement as she appeared to be prior to the first fight, Cecilia Braekhus just did not have an answer to keep McCaskill off of her and it is logical to ask where she will go from here. 

 

As for Jessica McCaskill, there are two logical options, one would be a fight with multi-division undisputed champion Claressa Shields, who would have to move down in weight to challenge her, or a rematch against undefeated undisputed Lightweight world champion Katie Taylor, who defeated McCaskill in 2017 in defense of her Lightweight crown that she eventually fully unified. For a sport that has struggled for decades for recognition and consistent exposure, Women’s Boxing is finally on Boxing’s main stage and along with that should be lucrative opportunities for the stars in the sport as the circumstances of increased exposure for women in the sport should create opportunities for today’s top fighters to make more money than top fighters in previous eras. It’s something that is long overdue.

 

Now, we come full circle back to where our journey began, the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT where on March 13th, undefeated former two-time WBC Super-Middleweight world champion David Benavidez returned to the ring to face fellow contender Ronald Ellis. In what was billed as a world championship elimination bout in the WBC’s Super-Middleweight ratings, Benavidez gradually battered a very “Game” and determined Ellis over eleven rounds before the fight was stopped in round eleven.

 

Benavidez, who is unbeaten in twenty-four professional bouts appears to be in position to challenge current unified WBA/WBC world champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez within the next year. As most know, Alvarez, who recently scored a one-sided third round stoppage of previous WBC mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim, is preparing to face undefeated two-division world champion Billy Joe Saunders, current holder of the WBO crown in what will be a unification bout in May. Depending on the outcome of that fight, a potential unification bout against undefeated IBF champion Caleb Plant for what would be the undisputed world championship in the Super-Middleweight division or a long-awaited third encounter with Gennady Golovkin, the immediate future for Alvarez appears occupied and it will be interesting to see what Benavidez will do in the meantime. Perhaps a challenge of Caleb Plant could be an option given that both Benavidez and Plant compete under the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) promotional banner.

 

As the Boxing world was on this journey of Boxing events , we sadly learned the news that former Undisputed Middleweight champion of the world Marvelous Marvin Hagler passed away. Hagler, who passed away on March 13th at the age of sixty-six, compiled a record of 62-3-2, with 52 Knockouts between 1973-1987 successfully defended his Middleweight crown twelve times over seven years from 1980-1987 will forever be one of the greatest Middleweights in Boxing history. While Hagler’s story deserves multiple columns in of itself including his involvement as part of Boxing’s “Fabulous 4” along with Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, and Roberto Duran, who ruled much of Boxing’s focus in the 1980’s, what I will always appreciate about Hagler as someone who spent his early years watching him, is nothing came easily for him and he truly represented a blue collar type of fighter.

 

It took Hagler forty-nine professional bouts in which he won forty-six of those fights before he finally got an opportunity to fight for the World Middleweight championship. On that night in November 1979, Hagler fought to a controversial draw with then undisputed Middleweight world champion Vito Antuofermo. A fight that many who were around at the time as well as those of us who would see the fight in the years that followed like yours truly felt Hagler won. 

 

In 1980, Hagler three fights removed from the draw with Antuofermo, traveled to London, England where he knocked out then  undisputed Middleweight world championship Alan Minter in three rounds. What should have been a moment of glory for Hagler resulted in an ugly scene as the pro Minter crowd in London responded by throwing debris in the ring forcing Hagler and his supporters to run for cover. This began an era of dominance in the division that has only been seen twice in the years since Hagler retired by Bernard Hopkins and Gennady Golovkin. In Hagler’s twelve successful title defenses including a stoppage of Antuofermo in a rematch in 1981, only one man went the distance with Hagler, Roberto Duran, who lost a narrow fifteen round unanimous decision to him in November 1983.

 

While most will remember the fighter known as “Marvelous” for two fights that took place in the latter stages of Hagler’s career, his1985 war with Thomas Hearns, and his final fight that is still debated to this day, a split decision loss to Sugar Ray Leonard in 1987, I will always remember Hagler for not only the “Class” and dignity he brought to the sport that frankly still needs it, but also his willingness to fight anyone regardless of promoters or ties to broadcast networks that were involved in the sport during his era. Something that those of us involved in the sport should demand more of. 

 

Although his bout with Sugar Ray Leonard was viewed as controversial by many and was the only time even as a youngster, who watched the fight when it took place that I felt Hagler lost by a narrow margin, something else that should be respected is he was so disgusted over losing his crown that he turned down more than one lucrative offer including a rematch with Leonard, choosing to embark on an acting career in Italy. Regardless of one’s point of view of the outcome of his final bout, it is admirable that Hagler chose his principles over what would have been lucrative paydays. 

 

Despite the loss to Leonard, Hagler’s legacy was before and remains more than secure. A fighter who had to fight for every opportunity he got, one that didn’t initially have the benefits of a marquee promoter or consistent television exposure and lucrative contracts. Marvin Hagler literally fought for and ultimately received the recognition he was long overdue. A fighter who showed that hard work, determination, and dedication does pay off.  A legacy that is simply “Marvelous.”

 

Marvelous Marvin Hagler God bless you, rest well.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison

 

Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Estrada-Gonzalez / McCaskill-Braekhus: The Rematches

 

Saturday, March 13, 2021 in the Boxing world will be highlighted by two eagerly anticipated rematches that each have compelling storylines. The two bouts, which will co-headline a six bout card at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX will shine the spotlight of the sport on the 115lb.  Men’s Jr. Bantamweight division as well as the 147lb. Women’s Welterweight division in a card that will be broadcast globally by digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN. This preview will cover both bouts, which this observer believes are of equal importance as to where Boxing as a whole will progress as 2021 continues.

 

In the first rematch, unified WBC/WBA Jr. Bantamweight world champion Juan Francisco Estrada will make the third defense of his crown against former three-division world champion Roman Gonzalez. A rematch that is nearly nine years in the making. The first encounter between the two men took place in November 2012 in Los Angeles, CA. An all-out war from start to finish that saw Gonzalez emerge victorious via twelve round unanimous decision to retain his WBA Jr. Flyweight world championship.  

 

It was simply a give and take battle for all twelve rounds in what was one of the best fights of the last decade not just in Boxing’s lower weight classes, but in the entire sport. As is the case with all great fights that go the distance, there was and remains a healthy debate amongst both Boxing fans and experts alike as to who won the bout.

 

The question I have going into this fight is what type of fight are the Boxing public, whether they be fans or those of us who are involved in the sport and  will be covering it, are likely to see. There are two crucial things one must keep in mind as this fight approaches. One is the fact that this fight will be taking place nearly a decade after the original encounter. Not only will this fight be taking place two divisions above the 108lb. Jr. Flyweight division, but perhaps the more crucial second factor to keep in mind is both Estrada and Gonzalez have been through many wars throughout their respective careers.

 

Their first encounter was fought at what can best be described as an ungodly pace where both fighters threw punches nearly non-stop for three minutes of every round they fought. While both men are offensive-minded warriors, the combination of both time between the first fight and this second meeting as well as the wear and tear a fighter goes through over the course of a long career is something to consider going into this rematch.

 

Although it would frankly be unrealistic for me to say that I honestly expect a fight similar to what occurred in 2012 given the factors stated above, what are we likely to the the second time around? In many ways, the first fight was a scenario of two fights in one. Gonzalez being most effective when he was able to back Estrada up on the ropes, Estrada getting the better of many of the exchanges when he was able to keep the fight in the middle of the ring and offset Gonzalez’ pressure. Both men have suffered setbacks in the years since that memorable battle to one fighter Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. Gonzalez suffered his only two career defeats to Rungvisai. Estrada meanwhile split two memorable fights with him that resulted in Estrada becoming a world champion in their second bout.

 

In thinking of how this second bout between Estrada and Gonzalez might be fought, I immediately thought of the subtle difference that depending on one’s perspective resulted in the first fight going the way it did. Speaking only for myself, this observer felt that Estrada got the better of most of the exchanges in a fight where both men were extremely active and one that was not easy to score. If there was one element that allowed Gonzalez to get the nod in a fight that could have gone either way however, it was Estrada being backed up more than occasionally against the ropes or in corners where Gonzalez was able to land hard thudding body shots and offense to the head.

 

 While Estrada frankly gave as much offense back as he received in those instances where he was backed up, this subtle difference along with Gonzalez’ pressure style can leave an impression on not only those watching a fight, but more importantly the three official judges who are tasked with scoring a fight. This is what I believe led to Gonzalez winning the first encounter.

 

It is crucial in this observer’s view that Estrada now as the champion going into this fight, find a way to avoid getting backed up. He must use his legs and keep Gonzalez from being able to cut off the ring and put himself in positions where he can do damage. Although no one should take away from the thrilling battle these two put forth in their first fight, Estrada needs to be more tactical and if he’s in a position where he is either on the ropes or finds himself cornered, he must find a way to tie Gonzalez up on the inside and get the combat back to where he has the space in order to theoretically have an advantage.

 

A fighter implementing a tactical approach may not always be the most entertaining thing to watch if you’re a fan viewing a fighter from a far, but it is effective when a fighter is able to execute an effective tactical strategy. This is what I believe Juan Francisco Estrada must do in this rematch in order to be successful.

 

Depending on one’s perspective, there might be some who feel that Roman Gonzalez had and still has an edge in terms of punching power going into this fight. There is no disputing that both fighters have shown the ability to get an opponent out of there should the opportunity arise, but the key for Gonzalez this time around in my eyes will be to do what he was able to do in the first fight by applying pressure on Estrada, but to do so where he does not take punishment as he comes forward. One thing that was noticeable in the first fight that can really be said about both fighters, but was particularly true in regard to Gonzalez was his willingness to stand toe to toe and not always implement defense. While it is true that he did emerge from the grueling battle victorious the first time these two men fought, he also took significant punishment in the process and the key here for the former three-division world champion will be whether he can limit the amount of punishment he takes while trying to implement a strategy that proved successful in the first fight.

 

Although it is also true that anything can happen, given the amount of time that has passed between the first fight and this rematch as well as the effects both fighters have to feel both physically and mentally from the wars both men have gone through, this may come down to who has more left in them that may determine who emerges victorious. Styles do however, make fights and this is one bout where no matter what it is likely to be entertaining for however long it lasts.

 

The second rematch that will co-main event this card will be a battle for the Undisputed Women’s Welterweight world championship between newly crowned champion Jessica McCaskill and the woman she took the championship from in Cecilia BraekhusIn their first encounter last August, McCaskill outworked the future Hall of Famer Braekhus over ten very competitive rounds to win the championship via majority decision ending Braekhus’ decade long reign atop the Welterweight division. 

 

Much like the first encounter between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman Gonzalez, the first fight between McCaskill and Braekhus came down to the subtle differences that resulted in McCaskill winning the bout. This included a consistent offensive output and bringing the fight to the champion. In what was a close fight, McCaskill’s overall consistency allowed her to ultimately get the upper hand on one of the all-time greats in the history of the sport.

 

What will happen in this immediate rematch? It is important for McCaskill to remember she is now the champion going into this fight. What made her victory over Braekhus to be viewed as a significant upset the first time around was due to Braekhus’ status as an undisputed world champion as well as her decade of dominance atop the Welterweight division, McCaskill was viewed as a significant underdog going into the first fight. Prior to that encounter, Braekhus was a former world title challenger in the 135lb. Lightweight division and this was also a contributing factor in why she was regarded as an underdog.

 

Now that she has proven to not only be a legitimate challenger to Braekhus, but ultimately emerged from the first fight as the new Undisputed Welterweight champion of the world, the task for McCaskill will be to defend her crown. A task that has proven difficult for some fighters after winning world championships. How can McCaskill succeed in her first title defense? One aspect of McCaskill’s approach in the first fight as a fighter who was at a size disadvantage, as she was moving up in weight to challenge the naturally bigger Braekhus, was she was able to keep her body low as she came forward. This resulted in Braekhus missing some of her offense and also being exposed to looping hooks as McCaskill got on the inside. In the process, McCaskill was able to outwork Braekhus as well as nullify some aspects of the former champion’s offense.

 

What were those aspects? At her best, Cecilia Braekhus likes to work behind a consistent jab and mix in straight right hands. This was something she was never able to get going in the first fight and that can be attributed to the fight plan McCaskill was able to execute. Essentially, McCaskill must implement a similar approach in this rematch in this observer’s view.

 

How can Cecilia Braekhus regain her world championship? Braekhus, who was attempting to surpass Joe Louis’ all-time record for consecutive title defense of twenty-five, the all-time record in the entire sport male or female, in what was her twenty-sixth title defense in the first fight, must give angles. She needs to use her legs and get into an offensive rhythm early, something that she was unable to do in the first encounter. The jab must be a focal point of her offense this time.

 

Although the first fight was competitive, McCaskill was able to make Braekhus fight her type of fight and that is what led to Braekhus’ downfall. Braekhus must maintain distance between herself and the champion this time. Simply put, the former champion needs to box and not be as willing to engage in close. If the champion is able to get on the inside and come forward as consistently as she was able to in the first fight, this rematch might look similar in how it is fought and could have a similar outcome.

 

While much of the discussion going into the first fight centered on how close Braekhus was to retiring, the winner of this rematch could find herself in position for what would be lucrative fights with either undisputed Lightweight world champion Katie Taylor, who holds a victory in defense of her crown over McCaskill, or three-division world champion Claressa Shields, who successfully became an undisputed world champion in a second weight class last week in unifying the Jr. Middleweight division with a unanimous decision victory over Marie-Eve Dicaire.

 

Although there is much at stake for whomever the winners of these two rematches will in terms of what may be in their futures, there is a lot on the line for all four fighters, and the task at hand will be facing their opponent standing across the ring. All eyes will be focused on the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Saturday night.

 

“And That’s The Boxing Truth.”

 

Estrada vs. Gonzalez II /McCaskill vs. Braekhus II takes place on Saturday, March 13th at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. The two bouts as well as its full undercard can be seen globally on digital subscription sports streaming network DAZN beginning at 8PM ET/5PM PT (U.S. Time.) For more information about DAZN including schedules, list of compatible streaming devices/platforms/Smart TVs, availability around the world, and to subscribe please visit:www.DAZN.com.

 

The Boxing Truth®️ is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

Follow Beau Denison on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Beau_Denison