Juan Francisco Estrada's Hand To Be Evaluated For Nietes Bout

By Miguel Rivera

Before his fight is completely finalized, the right hand of WBO/WBA flyweight world champion Juan Francisco 'Gallo' Estrada (33-2, 24KOs) must be evaluated by his trainer, Alfredo Caballero.

There are serious discussions for Estrada to face WBO junior flyweight champion Donnie Nietes (38-1-4, 22KOs) on September 24th. Nietes would move up in weight to purse Estrada.

Such a fight would match two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport and establish a clear top threat to the reign of WBC champion Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez. Both Estrada and Nietes are hoping to get their hands on Gonzalez, but neither may get their wish - because Gonzalez may soon move up to super flyweight to pursue WBC champion Carlos Cuadras.

Estrada has been out of the ring since last September when he knocked out former champion Tyson Marquez. The right hand has been an issue which has kept him on the shelf for several months.

Nietes has been branching out with his career. Last October he traveled over to the StubHub Center in California to retain his title with a dominating decision of Juan Alejo. He then returned to the Philippines in May to get a stoppage win over former champion Raul Garcia. 

"[Estrada] has a date for September 24, but we'll see. Hopefully in about 20 days he can be discharged [from rehabbing his right hand] and starts hitting very well with both hands - the return date depends on that," said Caballero to ESPN Deportes.