Jessica Nery Plata Shocks The World With Defeat Over Yesica Bopp
In Panama City on March 11, newly crowned WBA light flyweight champion “La Nina” Jessica Nery Plata (27-2, 3 KO’s) dethroned the division’s longest-reigning champion Yesica “La Tuti” Bopp (37-3, 17 KO’s). This is a major shake-up in the division and opens the door for more opportunities for the new champion.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR THE FORMER CHAMPION
La Tuti has been ruling over the division as champion since 2009. The 37-year-old from Argentina is a two-divisional and former unified champion after winning the WBO title in both the light flyweight and flyweight divisions.
This defeat strikes a big blow to the fans as there was an anticipation of a mega-unification with fellow Argentine IBF champion Evelyn Bermudez. Bopp, considered one of Argentines’ great champions, has enjoyed a great career in boxing and could be faced with retiring. Equally important, she holds a victory over WBC flyweight champion Marlen Esparza in the amateurs.
THE NEW KID HAS OPTIONS
Plata is a 27-year-old Mexican fighter that has held the WBO interim title since 2018. Moreover, she fought primarily in Mexico before traveling to Panama City to fight for the championship. In her first attempt at the title, the young challenger took full advantage of the moment, winning by split decision.
Looking at the future, there are plenty of options for the new champion. She can fight in a major unification with fellow Mexican WBC champion Yesenia Gomez. Another possible avenue is unification with the IBF champion, Bermudez. This victory could also set up a future fight with the most talked-about female fighter in the lower-weight divisions, two-divisional champion “Super Bad” Seniesa Estrada.
As women’s boxing continues to strive, the newly crowned champion has to be enjoying the moment.
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By: Garrisson Bland
