Lopez Taunts Estrella: Puerto Rican Boxers Are Superior
Dec 1, 2014 • 2:42 AM ET
By Jake Donovan
It remains to be seen whether or not Edwin ‘Bazooka’ Lopez is out of his depth as he takes on Adrian Estrella this Saturday in Monterey, Mexico. The 39-year old steps way up in class as he hits the road this weekend, but is certainly talking up a good game as he takes on the rising super featherweight contender nearly half his age.
“Puerto Rican boxers are superior to the Mexican (style),” quipped Lopez (21-3-1, 19KOs), who clearly believes his roots will be enough to get him through the toughest test of his career.
Lopez didn’t turn pro until age 31, sputtering out of the gate with a 0-3-1 start to his career. He has since won 21 straight bouts, all of which have taken place in Dominican Republic.
Saturday’s showdown with the 22-year old Estrella (19-0, 17KOs) marks his first bout in Mexico, and also his first bout scheduled for 12 rounds. Lopez has fought primarily in scheduled six- and eight-round contests, though has yet to fight beyond the fourth round through eight years as a pro.
Estrella has been extended the distance in each of his past two bouts, though scoring landslide wins over Dante Jardón and former two-division titlist Celestino Caballero. The latter win came in October, prompting Caballero to announce his retirement following the bout.
Saturday’s show in Monterey will air live on Televisa in Mexico.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as the Records Keeper for the Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and a member of Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
