Juan Francisco Estrada Gets His Revenge on Roman Gonzalez – Becomes Unified Champion

Juan Francisco Estrada is the new unified super-flyweight champion. The 30-year-old got his revenge on ‘Chocolatito’ eight years after their first fight. ‘El Gallo’ beat the Nicaraguan with a split decision after 12-rounds of electric boxing. The judges’ scorecards read 113-115, 111-117, 115-113 in the Mexican’s favor.

The two fought as the main event of an exciting card that included two other title fights. This was a highly anticipated bout with the pair having fought once before in 2012. Gonzalez got the win back then. And thus, Estrada was out to prove a point, and get his revenge.

How did the Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Roman Gonzalez fight pan out?

The fight started at an electrifying pace. Both fighters went at it from the first bell, with Estrada walking down the Nicaraguan, while Gonzalez welcomed him with several counter punches. As the fight progressed past the third round, both fighters started landing big blows at each other.

The exciting first few rounds sent the crowd into a frenzy and set the tone for the fight. Estrada looked to land fast and precise combinations to the body and face, while ‘Chocolatito’ aimed to break the Mexican’s high guard.

As the fight moved beyond the half-way mark, nothing changed. Both fighters landed huge shots at each other and kept going at it. There was nothing to separate them since they went toe-to-toe with each punch, as they headed into the championship rounds.

How did the fight end?

Going into the tenth round, both fighters looked in fantastic physical shape despite the high-octane early rounds. However, the fight got more technical from round ten. As a result, ‘Chocolatito’ got into his stride and found a rhythm.

He showed his experience by moving in and out of range and outboxing ‘El Gallo’. However, this was not enough for Gonzalez as ‘El Gallo’ eventually took home a very close decision. Had Estrada not taken the early rounds, it could have been a very different fight.

Either way, Gonzalez and Estrada provided fans with one of boxing’s classics. Both pugilists gave it their all and after 12-rounds of intense boxing, ‘El Gallo’ held on for a sweet victory which has paved the way for a potential trilogy. 

What did you make of the Roman Gonzalez vs. Juan Francisco Estrada fight? Do you think the right man won?

READ: Juan Francisco Estrada: A Look at the Boxing Record of ‘El Gallo’