Rare Pair of Female Fights on Big L.A. Card – Women’s boxing returns to the big stage again in Southern California.
Former flyweight world champion Kenia Enriquez (15-1, 7 Kos) of Mexico meets light flyweight contender Amaris “Diamond Girl” Quintana in an eight round clash on Saturday April 23, at the Forum in Inglewood. An added six round female bout is also set.
After a long 13-year absence, female prizefighting contenders are finally able to show off their skills on a world grabbing fight card that features middleweight world champion Gennady “Triple G” Golovkin and flyweight world champion Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.
Enriquez, 22, has wasted little time in establishing herself as one of the fastest rising female prizefighters in the world. She’s excited to be fighting in Los Angeles.
“This is a great opportunity for women. To my knowledge women have not been on such a big fight card like this,” said Enriquez who lives and trains in Tijuana. “This is not a typical event. There are two female bouts and it’s a great privilege to be on this fight card that can improve women’s boxing.”
After moving up in weight and winning and losing the 112-pound WBO flyweight world title in 2014, she moved back down to her normal weight the 108-pound light flyweight division. She’s ready to wreak havoc, but finds just across the border, a contender from San Diego blocking her path.
“She’s (Quintana) a talented fighter,” said Enriquez who has a large following in Mexico.
Quintana, 26, twice fought current WBO flyweight champion Melissa McMorrow to a draw six years ago. It was McMorrow who defeated Enriquez by split decision for the flyweight title last year in Mexico. On paper, this fight looks like it might provide the most competitive fight of the night for the thousands expected to attend the fight card at the Forum.
“You don’t see a lot of women fight on big cards like this,” said Quintana, who lives and trains in San Diego. “I’m a big fan of Golovkin too.”
The perky light flyweight fought for the world title in 2013 and lost to Sindy Amador who has since retired. Quintana now has a three-fight win streak and knows what to expect against the taller Enriquez.
“She’s a really good fighter and aggressive,” said Quintana adding that they once sparred. “This was a perfect opportunity to fight her. A lot of people will be watching.”
It’s boxer-puncher versus boxer-puncher when Enriquez and Quintana collide.
Seniesa Estrada vs. Selene Lopez
Also on the same card, East L.A.’s Seniesa Estrada (5-0) faces Mexico’s Selene Lopez (3-4-3) in a six round light flyweight match. The winners of each female bout could possibly face each other later this year.
“It’s been truly frustrating,” said Estrada who has only five fights in five years. “But I believe in myself and my talent.”
Estrada, 23, who is promoted by Roy Englebrecht, fought on Golovkin’s last fight card at the Forum last year.
“I’ve had an opportunity twice to fight on a Golovkin card,” said Estrada who defeated Carly Batey by unanimous decision on May 2015 at the Forum. “After 17 years of hard work my goals and dreams are coming true.”
Lopez has fought both Enriquez and Quintana and lost to both. She’s a tough competitor from Los Mochis, Mexico.
Estrada has a herky-jerky counter-punching style and Lopez is a pressure fighter.
It’s been 13 years since two female fight bouts of such magnitude took place in Southern California. On that card at the Staples Center Laila Ali fought Valerie Mahfood and Lucia Rijker battled Jane Couch on the under card of Vitali Klitschko and Lennox Lewis heavyweight world championship fight.
That was an unforgettable night of boxing.
Can history repeat itself?
