1. Estrada Dismisses Age Concerns
WBC super flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada rejects the narrative that he is too old to defend his title against the younger Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez this Saturday night, June 29, in their headliner on DAZN at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Estrada is determined to prove that age is just a number and that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
2. Addressing Recent Performances
Fans and analysts have pointed to Estrada’s recent performances and long career as reasons for concern. At 34 years old, with 44 wins, 3 losses, and 28 knockouts, Estrada’s last two fights have shown signs of wear. Additionally, his two-year hiatus from the ring has led many to doubt his ability to compete with the 24-year-old phenom, ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, who boasts a perfect record of 19-0 with 12 knockouts.
3. The Challenge of Youth
Rodriguez is in the prime of his career and represents a significant challenge for Estrada. The younger fighter’s speed, power, and relentless pace have led many to believe that this fight could signal a changing of the guard in the super flyweight division. Rodriguez’s rise has been meteoric, and a win against Estrada would further cement his status as a top contender.
4. Estrada’s Future Plans
Despite the doubters, Estrada remains focused on his career and future plans. He has expressed interest in continuing to fight and even hinted at a potential fourth bout against his long-time rival, Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez, should he win the world title at bantamweight (118 lbs). “People sometimes disrespect fighters like me when they say, ‘Gallo Estrada is too old now,’” said Estrada. “But I’m going to show on Saturday that it isn’t true, and my career will keep progressing for a good while yet.”
5. Facing the Real Question
Estrada’s determination is clear, but the real question looms: What will happen if he loses to ‘Bam’ Rodriguez? A knockout loss or a lopsided defeat could force Estrada to reconsider his future in the sport. His last performances against ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez and Argi Cortes were underwhelming, and another subpar showing could be detrimental to his legacy.
6. Estrada’s Controversial Decisions
In his last two fights, Estrada faced controversy with decisions that many fans and analysts found questionable. Both Gonzalez and Cortes were seen as deserving winners by a significant portion of the boxing community. Estrada cannot afford another contentious decision on Saturday, as Rodriguez’s rising popularity would likely prevent the judges from awarding a controversial win.
7. Rodriguez’s Rising Star
Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez is quickly establishing himself as a pound-for-pound contender in the sport. Promoter Eddie Hearn praised Rodriguez during Thursday’s final press conference, stating, “You’re already establishing yourself as a pound-for-pound great in the sport. Some would say a victory on Saturday will put you right up there with the likes of Inoue, Usyk, Crawford, and all those guys.” Rodriguez is ready for the challenge and eager to prove himself on one of the biggest stages of his career.
8. High Stakes in Phoenix
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both fighters. For Estrada, this fight represents a chance to silence his critics and demonstrate that he remains a top fighter in the division. For Rodriguez, it’s an opportunity to take a significant step towards becoming a boxing superstar and solidify his place among the sport’s elite.
9. Estrada’s Determination
Estrada’s determination and experience could be his most significant assets in this fight. He has faced adversity before and emerged victorious. The question remains whether his body can keep up with his spirit and if he can withstand the onslaught from a younger, hungrier opponent.
10. The Boxing World Awaits
As fight night approaches, the boxing world eagerly awaits the showdown between Estrada and Rodriguez. Will the experienced champion prove that he still has what it takes, or will the young challenger usher in a new era in the super flyweight division? The answer will unfold in the ring on Saturday night, promising a thrilling encounter that could redefine the careers of both fighters.