Juan Francisco Estrada Overcomes Argi Cortes and Gears Up for Gonzalez Trilogy
In his first bout of 2022, two-division champion Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada (44-3, 28 KO’s) took on the challenge of Argi Cortes (23-3-2, 10 KO’s). While every match in boxing is important, this duel was more like a filler bout. This is because, more than Cortes, the boxing world was craving for Estrada to finish his business with Roman Gonzalez. The two have already collided in the ring twice with Estrada losing their 2012 encounter then prevailing in 2021 .
Technically, El Gallo was all signed up to complete their trilogy but was forced to withdraw after contracting COVID. Take make matters worse, after bowing out of the much anticipated brawl with Gonzalez, Estrada would be stripped of his super WBA super flyweight title for not fighting Joshua Franco. Luckily though, provided that El Gallo defeats Cortes, then everything should still be a go to settle the on-going feud with Gonzalez.
While on the surface Cortes has a respectable record, under more rigorous inspection his ledger is more flash than substance. To begin, Cortes has never fought outside of his native Mexico and his resume is devoid of any truly significant or noteworthy competitor.
ONE FUN FIREFIGHT
The prizefight opened up in standard fashion and saw each man test the waters a bit before going too hard. This changed in the third round however, when both fighters enjoyed substantial offensive success early and then opted to tossed big shots at the head for the remainder of the period. Cortes ended the fourth in magnificent fashion by nailing Estrada with a river of hooks in the final minute.
The fifth was another particularly exciting round in which both men saw traction. The engrossing ebb and flow of action persisted rather evenly until the seventh round. It was here that El Gallo began piling up meaningful punches in bunches. Even more importantly, Cortes couldn’t keep up the same pace. As a result, Cortes went down after eating a deflating left hook to the body.
THE FINAL VERDICT
To his credit, Cortes was one tough individual who would not allow himself to be fully overwhelmed. This grit saw him fight his way to the twelfth and final round; although, he did absorb a particularly abusive thumping in the eleventh. After that however, Cortes gave as good as he got during an electric twelfth round.
When the final cards were read though, Estrada was awarded the unanimous decision to the tune of 115-112, 115-112 and 114-113. With the win, Estrada can now focus on completing his trilogy with Roman Gonzalez. In fact, during his post-fight interview, Estrada announced that he will fight Gonzalez on December 3. Even in defeat though, Argi Cortes most certainly earned new respect, fans and attention in this bout. More than likely we will be seeing him again soon.
By: Bakari Simpson
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