(MAY 13) The action is goin' down
THIS Saturday night at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif.
Boxing fans are all abuzz about the Gennady Golovkin vs. Willie
Monroe Jr. clash in the main event but there is also a featured
undercard bout that is also getting some attention. Southland
boxer Seniesa Estrada (3-0, 1 KO) will be entering the ring in
her fourth fight as a pro THIS Saturday, May 16.
The flyweight sensation will be
lacing up this weekend as she goes toe to toe with Carley Batey
(4-4-2) on the undercard of this GGG-Monroe headliner with a
co-main collision between Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzales and Edgar
Sosa. This fight night is presented by K2 Promotions and GGG
Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and will air on
HBO.
Many local fans flocked to buy their tickets this week to see
this local girl lace up and go for her fourth win as a
professional boxer. After first turning pro in 2011, getting
matchups has not been easy for the East L.A. prizefighter who
won numerous amateur titles and championships. Besides Seniesa's
likability factor and fan base, the fact that this female match
is making news is also due in part to the lack of women's boxing
on major network cards.
But come Saturday night, it will be two females lacing up at the
Forum. While this female fight is on the non-televised portion
of the night, it is a step forward in having women's boxing
featured on mainstream events. The pair will square off in six
two-minute rounds and hopefully prove to the crowd that the
girls in the fight game deserve more time in the spotlight. The
weight will be at 116 and Estrada will be gunning for a victory
in front of a hometown crowd who will be cheering her name.
I've known the 22-year-old boxing star since she was a young
girl. I caught several of her amateur bouts in California and
Kansas City while she made a name for herself in the elite
circuit (winning 97 bouts as an amateur).
And if you think she's just a pretty face, she wants to prove
you wrong. Yes, she may be petite at just a couple inches over
five feet tall. And yes, her nails are brightly colored in the
latest beauty trends. And yes, just like most girls in their
20s, she takes time to style her hair and make sure she looks on
point. But you would be wrong to think she doesn't spend an
extraordinary amount training hard in the gym. TRAIN HARD, FIGHT
HARD. Don't let this cutie pie fool you, she's as tough as they
come and can compete with any gym rat, male or female.
I caught up with Seniesa today as her showdown is now less than
72 hours away. The slick boxer (who has trainer Dean Campos and
her father Joe Estrada in her corner) is really excited and
proud to be on this card.
"I'm so excited to be fighting at home where all my family,
friends and supporters can attend," she says. "I am ready and
focused and can't wait to display my skills."
And on May 16, she hopes to bring new fans to the world of
women's boxing.
"I'm looking forward to giving the crowd a great performance and
something that they've never seen in women's boxing," she tells
me. "I'm thankful to be fighting on such a great card and it's
going to be a great night of boxing in Los Angeles."
The rush for tickets this week has remained strong and Team
Estrada will be represented at the fabulous Forum (where the
famed Los Angeles Lakers used to play).
The young puncher looks forward to making her presence known in
the pro game. Women's boxing may be on the back burner in this
male-dominated sport but with each step forward, Estrada will
continue to strive for more in her career. And she is
appreciative of those who have believed in her talent and
strength.
Seniesa acknowledges: "I'd like to thank Roy Englebrecht, K2
Promotions, Banner Promotions and my sponsor Oscar A. Sanchez
for making everything possible and supporting me every step of
the way!"
She has been boxing since she the tender age of 8 and her
journey in the sweet science continues. Outside the ropes, she
is easygoing with a frequent smile and friendly personality.
Inside the four corners, she is fierce with a solid game face
going on. It is this duality that intrigues her fans and
supporters. And the tiny dynamo hopes to draw new boxing fans as
she fights on this weekend's showcase.
If you're near the City of Angels this Saturday night, be sure
to come to the Forum to watch Seniesa Estrada as her rise to the
top continues!
Photo by Michele Chong
