In the aftermath of the fight between Juan Francisco Estrada and Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, promoter Eddie Hearn is confident that Estrada will exercise his rematch clause to face Rodriguez once again. The fight ended with Rodriguez scoring a decisive seventh-round knockout against Estrada, leaving the veteran fighter reeling. Despite the devastating loss, Hearn believes that Estrada will seek redemption in a rematch.
One major factor that played a significant role in the outcome of the fight was the weight disparity between the two fighters. Rodriguez, a younger and larger fighter, seemed to have a significant size advantage over Estrada, who appeared drained at the lower weight class. This could potentially be a crucial point of consideration for Estrada if he decides to go through with the rematch. Moving the fight to a higher weight class could mitigate this disadvantage for Estrada.
Rather than pursuing a direct rematch with Rodriguez, Estrada could consider moving up to the 118-pound weight class to face Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez. This option presents a potentially more lucrative and less physically taxing opportunity for Estrada. By avoiding a second encounter with Rodriguez at a weight disadvantage, Estrada could potentially secure a more favorable matchup against a respected opponent like Chocolatito.
Estrada’s performance in the fight against Rodriguez showed moments of promise, particularly when he was able to land sustained combinations. However, his inability to capitalize on these opportunities ultimately led to his downfall. Rodriguez, on the other hand, demonstrated his dominance early in the fight, showcasing his skills against a seasoned opponent like Estrada. The judges’ scoring reflected the competitive nature of the bout, with close rounds and differing opinions on the outcome.
The decision to pursue a rematch with Rodriguez or explore other options like facing Chocolatito at a higher weight class will be pivotal for Estrada’s future in the sport. Learning from the mistakes and challenges faced in the previous fight, Estrada will need to carefully consider his next move to secure his legacy in boxing. Regardless of the path chosen, the rematch clause against Rodriguez sets the stage for an intriguing chapter in Estrada’s career.