WBC Franchise, WBA and Ring Magazine super flyweight champion Juan Francisco ‘El Gallo’ Estrada 42-3 (28) insists he is the better boxer than Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez 50-3 (41) ahead of their trilogy fight at the Pechanga Arena San Diego in San Diego, California on March 5.
The duo first clashed in Los Angeles in November 2012 with Nicuraguan Gonzalez, now 34, claiming a unanimous decision win by scores of 118-110 and 116-112 twice.
It took more than eight years for the rematch to take place, with the 31-year-old Estrada of Mexico edging a split decision by scores of 117-111, 115-113 and 113-115 in Dallas last March. The bout was hotly contested with most pundits and fans considering it one of the fights of the year.
Both boxers will have been out of the ring for a year when they meet again.
“This is it this is for all the marbles and to see once and for all who is the best at 115-pounds since we are 1-1 in our first two fights,” said Estrada.
“We’ve had a couple of date changes, but I’ve made sure to stay active in the gym including during the holidays because I know the importance of this trilogy.
“The first two fights were very close and controversial which is why I will make sure I show up as ready as possible and I hope that Gonzalez does too, so that this time we leave no doubt as to who the best man is and I can’t wait to show everybody that I am the better fighter.
“The first two were wars and this one will be no different which is why people shouldn’t miss it, it will be another guaranteed war.”
The always humble Gonzalez refused to provide a prediction for the fight.
“I want to thank God first and foremost, my family, team as well as Matchroom and Teiken for this incredible opportunity,” said Gonzalez.
“I also want to thank the WBC, WBA, and The Ring Magazine for the titles that are at stake. I believe the winners will be the fans as a great battle will be held March 5 in God’s name.”
“This is simply must-watch action for any fight fan on March 5,” said promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. “Their second fight last year was the best fight I have ever seen live and I have no doubt that this is going to be a spectacular third installment to put this up there with the great trilogies of this sport.
“I am so happy to be taking this fight to San Diego and this is going to be one of the hottest tickets in boxing this year, as everybody knows these two men always deliver excitement. We are all in for a treat on March 5 and that date cannot come around quick enough.”
