Juan Francisco Estrada Will Be Belt-less In Trilogy Against Roman Gonzalez
There are fights where the history and rivalry involved with both fighters go beyond belts. Typically when this happens, the two combatants have already acquired tremendous accolades. Therefore, when they finally meet, fans couldn’t care less that belts are not on the line. That is what will happen in the trilogy between multi-divisional former champions “El Gallo” Juan Francisco Estrada (42-3, 28KO) and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (51-3, 41KO).
HOW DID WE GET HERE
In 2021, Estrada, after winning the WBC super flyweight title in a rematch with Srisaket Sor Rungvisai was elevated to Franchise status. It was to help clear a path for the trilogy with Gonzalez after El Gallo won their rematch for the WBA title. However, Estrada’s untimely illness postponed the trilogy scheduled for March 5.
Next, the WBA came knocking and requested Estrada to fight the ‘regular’ champion, Joshua Franco. Things continued to get complicated as word circled throughout the boxing community that both fighters were still going forward with the third fight. This raised questions about the WBA possibly stripping him of the title.
THE WBA TAKES THE BELT AWAY FROM ESTRADA
The WBA has officially relinquished Estrada of the super title, leaving him without a belt. The organization released a statement explaining its decision to take back the title.
“On April 19, the bidding took place with the sole participation of Golden Boy Promotions, Franco’s representatives, who won the rights to promote the fight. On May 16, the signed contracts were sent for the fight to take place on July 16.”
“On July 22, the committee sent a document to Estrada requesting information about his future plans in boxing since one year and four months had passed without a title defense. Taking into account that all fighters and their representatives must know the WBA rules and that rule D-14 states a fight that went to auction must take place between 45 and 90 days after the date on which the fight took place, the committee made the decision regarding Estrada.”
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By: Garrisson Bland
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