Experience Paved the Way For Juarez Against the Youth and Determination of Aguilar
Lourdes Juarez didn’t start her professional boxing career until she was 26 years old. That’s considered late for any fighter. Now 34, the woman nicknamed “La Pequena Lulu” has worked her way up to becoming a world champion. At the Centro Internacional de Convenciones in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, she defended the WBC world women’s junior bantamweight title for the second time against Luz Elena Aguilar.
The younger sister of multi-divisional women’s world champ Mariana Juarez, Lourdes has fought most of her career under the shadow of her older sibling. It was a blessing in disguise as she continued to develop and hone her skills. When little sister got her opportunity in the spotlight, she took full advantage.
In December of 2020, Juarez outpointed Guadalupe Martinez Guzman to capture the WBC world title at 115 pounds. Juarez defeated Diana Laura Fernandez by a hard-fought split decision in July of 2021 in her first title defense.
Here she faced an Aguilar who was young and inexperienced but very tough. Only 19, the challenger has fought most of her career at flyweight. Still, she brought the reputation as a fearless, aggressive warrior.
SKILLS PAYS
Juarez (33-2, 4 KOs) can adapt to any style. In the ring against a challenger who applied constant pressure, the defending champ wisely chose to box from the outside. She often switches back and forth from orthodox to southpaw and vice-versa, using those tactics to gain an early lead.
However, Aguilar fought with determination all night long. Despite her youth and the limited number of fights, she gave the champ no respect. The hand speed was quite noticeable at times, and her willingness to go in the eye of the storm was admirable.
In the end, Juarez’s ring intelligence and sheer professionalism would prove to be the difference. She was declared the winner by a comfortable unanimous decision (98-92, 99-91×2) in what turned out to be a pretty entertaining contest.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
