Yesica Yolanda “Tuti” Bopp moved her record to 34-1, scoring her 15th knockout against Soledad del Valle Frias at the José María Gatica in Villa Dominico in Argentina when the referee stopped the bout in the eighth round due to Frias taking too much punishment. It was Bopp 21st defense of the World Boxing Association (WBA) World Female Light Flyweight Title.
Bopp has been the WBA light flyweight champion since 2009, only having a break in 2014 when she was appointed champion in recess due to her pregnancy. Bopp returned in 2016 to ratify her champion status by defeating Mexican Nancy Franco by unanimous decision.
Bopp was recently interviewed by the WBA team in lieu of her title defense. When asked if she sees herself as the best pound for pound in the world she will be the first to tell you “The issue of the best pound for pound is it depends how you see it,” but Yesica further explains, “in my case I am recognized for my style of fighting and technique from what I have shown in the ring so for my team, followers, and myself, I am the best.”
Yesica is very proud of her lengthy span as a world champion, saying “I feel good for what I have achieved and for my historic record with the World Boxing Association. It makes me happy being an athlete for ten years and it fills me with joy knowing that I am earning my status as an athlete.”
Previous to her bout with Frias, Bopp was coming off of a very good performance in stopping Debora Rengifo in the seventh round this last November. The fight took place at José María Gatica; the same venue for her title defense against Frias. Bopp was too fast and strong for Rengifo as she broke down the challenger over the course of the fight until Rengifo’s corner threw in the towel.
Yesica used similar tactics from her previous fight to secure a victory over Frias. “Frias likes to fight moving forward,” Yesica said, “so we are going to move, use my speed, and not be a fixed target.” She stayed true to form in securing her victory over Frias.
Bopp is very thankful to her followers and fans, saying that she is very grateful to them for sticking with her through thick and thin and that in closing she sends “Kisses for my followers, to whom I promise that there is “Tuti” for many more years to come.”
