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In a land where champions are spewed so often, standing out is a task not easily accomplished. Standing at only 5'4 is one of Mexico's brightest young champions and current flyweight kingpin, Juan Francisco "El Gallo/Gallito" Estrada. With a wonderful and respectable resume in progress and a past filled with hardships, Estrada remains true to himself and his humble ways.
After losing a unanimous decision to current Super Flyweight Champion Juan Carlos "Zurdo" Sanchez Jr. in 2011, Estrada was motivated to win the Box Azteca Tournament. He wiped through competition and was soon given a title shot against one of Boxing's elite and a dominant force in the savage terrain south of 112. Roman "El Chocolatito" Gonzalez would defend his 108 lbs belt against a relatively unknown boxer out of Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico.
As spectators and fans 4 lbs may not be much to us, but to fighters of such an elite level it is a world of difference. With this in mind Gallito was aware of what was at stake, without much hesitation Estrada blazed through his training regimen and dropped to 108 for the first time in his boxing career. Fueled by the hunger of his past he focused his sight on a victory. After 12 rounds of grueling trades, through blood, sweat and dedication, the smoke cleared and the score cards were in. El Chocolatito chiseled a loss onto Estrada's resume, retaining his championship crown.
Suffering his second loss Estrada was unfazed, he would seek a chance at a world title once again only 4 months after losing to Gonzalez. This time he would go against a man known to have destroyed many of Mexico's top warriors, the monster known as Brian Viloria. Brian had manifested his strength after steam rolling Miranda, Segura, and Hernan Tyson Marquez, reaping the WBO and WBA Flyweight Straps after his victorious wars. A historic event at Macau would set the high adrenaline bout in motion. After sustaining the relentless flurries of Viloria the first half of the match, Gallito began his onslaught during the mid to late rounds against the Champion. Stringing together harmonizing combinations and chopping down the Fil-Am terror over 12 rounds. Once the battle was over, both men knew the outcome before the announcement, the WBA and WBO would meet their new king.
Wasting almost no time Gallito would defend his new Crowns in Macau once again, only 3 months after his resounding victory. He would face the undefeated filipino wizard, Milan "Metodico" Melindo. Fight night was staged and for the first time Gallito would defend his reign. After a slow start Gallito awoke during the mid rounds, when Melindo suffered a minor cut underneath his eye. Blood ran, sweat flowed and Gallito was back to work. Knocking down the brave contender during the 11th round, a clear exhibition of Melindo's heart and resilience would be witnessed during the final 3 minutes of the bout. The scorecards would favor the Champion, but Milan put up a very respectable attempt versus a great warrior.
Whatever lies ahead for Estrada he awaits for it with a warm embrace of acceptance. He has demonstrated to be a warrior in and out of the ring, but most importantly, a humble man. Having lost both his parents at an early age and his Aunt whom he saw as a mother figure only weeks before his duel with Viloria, speak volumes of the man whom we call champion.
He is scheduled to fight the winner between two of Mexico's ex P4P warriors, Hernan Marques and Giovanni Segura. Although the road he has chosen has been difficult, whether he losses or wins in his incoming bouts he will always be a great champion in my eyes. His skill is only matched by his heart. In a time where Mexico is abundant with world class champions, Gallito has proven his worth and has far exceeded the barriers of what is expected from a mexican boxer. Using technique to inscribe his name in a country that has, and will indulge in rich boxing history.
After losing a unanimous decision to current Super Flyweight Champion Juan Carlos "Zurdo" Sanchez Jr. in 2011, Estrada was motivated to win the Box Azteca Tournament. He wiped through competition and was soon given a title shot against one of Boxing's elite and a dominant force in the savage terrain south of 112. Roman "El Chocolatito" Gonzalez would defend his 108 lbs belt against a relatively unknown boxer out of Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico.
As spectators and fans 4 lbs may not be much to us, but to fighters of such an elite level it is a world of difference. With this in mind Gallito was aware of what was at stake, without much hesitation Estrada blazed through his training regimen and dropped to 108 for the first time in his boxing career. Fueled by the hunger of his past he focused his sight on a victory. After 12 rounds of grueling trades, through blood, sweat and dedication, the smoke cleared and the score cards were in. El Chocolatito chiseled a loss onto Estrada's resume, retaining his championship crown.
Suffering his second loss Estrada was unfazed, he would seek a chance at a world title once again only 4 months after losing to Gonzalez. This time he would go against a man known to have destroyed many of Mexico's top warriors, the monster known as Brian Viloria. Brian had manifested his strength after steam rolling Miranda, Segura, and Hernan Tyson Marquez, reaping the WBO and WBA Flyweight Straps after his victorious wars. A historic event at Macau would set the high adrenaline bout in motion. After sustaining the relentless flurries of Viloria the first half of the match, Gallito began his onslaught during the mid to late rounds against the Champion. Stringing together harmonizing combinations and chopping down the Fil-Am terror over 12 rounds. Once the battle was over, both men knew the outcome before the announcement, the WBA and WBO would meet their new king.
Wasting almost no time Gallito would defend his new Crowns in Macau once again, only 3 months after his resounding victory. He would face the undefeated filipino wizard, Milan "Metodico" Melindo. Fight night was staged and for the first time Gallito would defend his reign. After a slow start Gallito awoke during the mid rounds, when Melindo suffered a minor cut underneath his eye. Blood ran, sweat flowed and Gallito was back to work. Knocking down the brave contender during the 11th round, a clear exhibition of Melindo's heart and resilience would be witnessed during the final 3 minutes of the bout. The scorecards would favor the Champion, but Milan put up a very respectable attempt versus a great warrior.
Whatever lies ahead for Estrada he awaits for it with a warm embrace of acceptance. He has demonstrated to be a warrior in and out of the ring, but most importantly, a humble man. Having lost both his parents at an early age and his Aunt whom he saw as a mother figure only weeks before his duel with Viloria, speak volumes of the man whom we call champion.
He is scheduled to fight the winner between two of Mexico's ex P4P warriors, Hernan Marques and Giovanni Segura. Although the road he has chosen has been difficult, whether he losses or wins in his incoming bouts he will always be a great champion in my eyes. His skill is only matched by his heart. In a time where Mexico is abundant with world class champions, Gallito has proven his worth and has far exceeded the barriers of what is expected from a mexican boxer. Using technique to inscribe his name in a country that has, and will indulge in rich boxing history.
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