Juan Francisco Estrada returns on HBO’s final boxing card
3kingsboxing previously reported Roman Gonzales had to withdraw from the last HBO boxing card. It’s now being reported the replacement bout will be former unified champion Juan Francisco Estrada (37-3, 25KOs) against Victor Mendez (28-3-2, 20KOs).
Estrada (28), is well known throughout the boxing community with a fan friendly style. The good blend of Mexican-style body punching along with outside boxing ability makes him a force in the division.
The #1 rated WBC challenger has the experience edge in this fight. Names like Milan Melindo, Brian Viloria and former P4P Roman Gonzalez are among the many notables he has shared the ring with. These names alone on his resume is reason enough to watch him in action.
Mendez, a 25 year-old fighter out of Mexico, is unknown to fans and pundits, but has fought some named opponents. He has faced Luis Nery and Arthur Villanueva, however, his opponents of late have been lackluster. He will be moving down from super bantamweight for his first fight in three years at the super flyweight limit.
The underdog could change everything in his career with a high profile victory on such a big stage!
INTERESTING FACTS:
Although not a world champion, Estrada has won a minor title at super flyweight. He captured the WBC Mundo Hispano title in 2010. At flyweight, he was the unified champion, holding the WBA and WBO title simultaneously.
Mendez will be fighting in the US for the first time in his career. He has only fought for one title in 33 fights and seven years as a professional. In 2015, he lost a bid for the WBC International super flyweight title by split decision to Arthur Villanueva.
Estrada will look to get this fight out of the way while enduring minimal damage as he hopes to get a rematch with WBC champion Sor Rungvisai in early 2019.
By: Garrisson Bland
