Mexican Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada defeated Nicaraguan Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez by split decision in a rematch held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, United States.
After twelve fierce rounds, the judges’ scores were: Jesse Reyes 115-113 (G), David Sutherland 115-113 (E), and Carlos Sucre 117-111 (E).
Fans had to wait nearly nine years to enjoy the second version of Estrada-Gonzalez and it was certainly worth all those hours, minutes and seconds of waiting.
These two warriors of the ring gave their heart, life and soul during twelve rounds of ‘give and take’ actions. When one dominated the rhythm of the fight, the other came and turned it around. As expected, Estrada was faithful to his boxing style on the counterattack and to the sides, throwing good straight rights and trying to find the body, while Roman went head-on and slithered like a snake to poison with straight lefts and right hands to the face and body of the Mexican, along with his experience and boxing style.
Although there were no knockdowns, both fighters hit each other with everything they got. Roman connected the strongest punches of the fight, and El Gallo did not stay behind and responded with his characteristic speed and tenacity.
The fight was so close that Gonzalez could have been the winner, but the judges leaned towards Estrada. The only winners were the fans who enjoyed this candidate for the fight of the year 2021, and there is already talk about a trilogy that Matchroom Boxing, owned by promoter Eddie Hearn, will be looking for.
Estrada stepped out of the ring as the WBA and WBC 115-pound champion, in addition to earning the nickname ‘Gallo Vengador’ as the only Mexican to defeat Roman Gonzalez, who had 19 Mexican victims on his record.
After this demonstration, Estrada improved his record to 42 wins, 28 KOs, and 3 defeats; while Gonzalez has a record of 50 wins, 41 KOs, and 3 losses.