Via Jim Calfa: Juan Francisco Estrada will have to take an 18-month break from his job as he defends his WBC super flyweight title tonight against little-known second-place boxer Argi Cortes (23-2-2, 10 KOs) in a world bout Presented on DAZN at Centro de Usos Multiples, Sonora, Mexico.
The long layoff since his controversial 12-round decisive win over Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez last March, it left Estrada (42-3, 28 KOs) with no choice but having an easy goal against Cortes tonight.
Recently, 32-year-old Estrada chose to give up her 115-lb WBA title instead of going up against ‘regular’ WBA champion Joshua Franco. It was a missed opportunity for Estrada to prove himself as the best fighter in the super fly class.
Complete the card:
- Juan Francisco Estrada vs Argi Cortes
- Erika Cruz and Jelena Mrdjenovich
- Hector Flores vs Sivenathi Nontshinga
- Eduardo Hernandez vs Jorge Mata
Estrada’s decision to give up his WBA title now leaves him with the WBC Franchise super flyweight title, which is seen as a fake title in the eyes of some boxing fans. Jesse Rodriguez, 22, holds a 115-lb WBC after his win over Carlos Cuadras last February.
That’s the guy Estrada should be fighting for if he wants to get his hands on the prestigious WBC belt.
Estrada is using the 27-year-old Cortes to prepare him for a three-part fight against Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez later this year or perhaps in 2023. Cortes is not the kind of fighter Estrada should be fighting. if he wants to prepare a talented boxer like Chocolatito.
How to watch Estrada vs. Cortes
Boxing fans can watch Estrada defend her 115-lb WBC title against Cortes tonight on DAZN. The event start time is at 8 p.m. ET.
Cortes has recently changed his career, winning his last 11 matches, albeit against opponents who are not obscure opponents. For Cortes to challenge world champion Estrada tonight, it will take a miracle for him to win.
At this point, the best we can hope for is for Cortes to be competitive and give Estrada some much-needed innings since he’s been out of the ring for a long time. The last thing Estrada needs is knocking Cortes out early because that won’t prepare him for Roman Gonzalez.
Chances for Estrada vs. Cortes is a mixed bag. You’ve got WBA women’s featherweight champion Erika Cruz defending against Jelena Mrdjenovich and Hector Flores facing Siventthi Nontshigna for the vacant IBF 112-lb title.
