Back to Back Fight Cards Headlined by Women in So Cal
By David A. Avila
If you followed the arc of women’s boxing it’s easy to trace because of television. Basically female prizefighting has been nonexistent on TV.
Not since Laila Ali was the main event against Christy Martin in 2003 when their clash was televised on pay-per-view had any female boxing event been the headlining event. Then last year Claressa Shields broke the 14-year barrier.
On Friday it happens again.
East L.A.’s Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (11-0, 2 KOs) meets Mexico’s Sonia Osorio (10-5-1) in the main event on Friday March 16 at the Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The Golden Boy Promotions card has been a long time coming. It will be televised by Estrella TV and streamed on RingTV.Live.
This is history-making.
“I’ve been working for this the past 18 years,” said Estrada, 25, who was a mere tike in the East L.A. neighborhoods when she laced up her first boxing gloves.
Estrada began her professional career in 2011 after her unique pro style of boxing just seemed an ill fit for international amateur boxing. She had fought in international tournaments and despite out-boxing opponents the amateur judges would always favor the more traditional style of boxing.
On May 13, 2011 the East L.A. boxer became a professional and defeated Maria Ruiz.
If you have ever seen Roy Jones Jr. or Sergio Mora fight in the boxing ring during their primes Estrada has a blend of both their world champion styles. She’s whip quick with her fists and feet and can perplex even the best.
Need an example?
Last month Anahi Torres a tough Mexican fighter upset Australia’s undefeated Louisa Hawton to win a vacant title at the Forum. Against Estrada, she was whitewashed and lost every round at the StubHub in September.
“A lot of girls struggle with her,” said Estrada about Torres. “Just to know I was able to beat her pretty comfortably makes me more comfortable in my skills.”
Though Estrada has been fighting professionally since 2011 she only has 11 fights. It’s always a struggle for women to find a promoter willing to put them on fight cards. And the other struggle is finding opponents.
Golden Boy Promotions was always aware of Estrada. She fought her second pro fight on their card at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif. She almost didn’t fight that day because she did not weigh enough. After some prodding with the officials she was allowed to put on extra weight and fight the heavier Blanca Raymundo. She won.
It’s always been a struggle for Estrada to find fights, but on Friday, she will be the main event when she faces Osorio in an eight round light flyweight bout.
“I’m truly excited about this opportunity,” said Estrada.
Golden Boy’s Eric Gomez said it was the right time.
“Golden Boy Promotions is working to be at the forefront of women’s boxing. We have three female fighters signed, and two of them will headline back-to-back events,” said Gomez the Golden Boy president. “We’re excited to see where this takes us in an age when women are being brought down at every level.”
The door is open for female prizefighting.
Antonio Orozco
Antonio Orozco returns after a short recess.
San Diego’s Orozco traveled to Zapopan, Mexico where he trained along with WBO featherweight titlist Oscar Valdez who recently successfully defended his title this past weekend. Now it’s Orozco’s turn.
“I feel great. It was the best training camp. All I did was spend time on training and concentrate on boxing,” said Orozco “It was like a real training camp.”
Orozco was unable to make weight in his last scheduled fight on an HBO fight card. It was a decimating moment for the father of four. He was forced to pull out of the televised fight so he wanted to put 100 percent on training.
“It was my first time being away from my family,” said Orozco while at the Legendz Gym in Norwalk recently. “I want to take full responsibility for not making weight. That’s why I had to do it. I still have my goal of being a world champion.”
Others appearing on the Belasco fight card are prospects Edgar Valerio, Blair Cobbs and others. Doors open on Friday at 5 p.m.
Saturday fights
Women take center stage again on St. Patrick’s Day as two female bouts headline the All Star Boxing card at Commerce Casino in Commerce, Calif. on Saturday March 17.
Lightweight standout Lisa Porter (1-1-1) a former amateur star faces Kazakhstan’s Aida Satybaldinova (0-0) a national champion in her country who is making her pro debut. Also, undefeated bantamweight sensation Adelaida “La Cobra” Ruiz (3-0) fights debuting Brenda Enriquez in a four round fight.
Both of these female fights should be explosive.
The main event will be Edward Ceballos (7-1-1) meeting Ryan Allen (4-1-1) in a six round super bantamweight clash. Five other bout are scheduled on the heavy duty boxing card.
The city of Commerce is located near East Los Angeles near the Interstate-5 Freeway. Parking is free.
For more information call (323) 816-6200. Doors open at 6 p.m.