Seniesa Estrada hopes to solidify her main event status against Leonela Yudica – Rompvela

Seniesa Estrada may be known as ‘Superbad,’ but she is a super problem to anyone who steps in the ring with her.

Estrada, the Ring magazine champion at 105 pounds, returns to action against Leonela Yudica Friday night at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 10-round bout will headline a Top Rank card that will stream live on ESPN+ (7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 p.m. PT).

Also in play will be Estrada’s WBA and WBC world title belts.

The 31-year-old (24-0, 9 knockouts) returns to the same venue where she made her Top Rank debut on November 12, defeating Jazmin Gala Villarino by unanimous decision. In her last bout on March 25, Estrada won the WBC title by defeating Germany’s Tina Rupprecht by decision over ten one-sided rounds.

Seniesa Estrada (L) and Leonela Yudica (R) face-off during the press conference prior to their July 28 WBA and WBC minimumweight championship fight at Palms Casino Resort on July 26, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images)

Estrada will face an accomplished challenger in Yudica (19-1-3, 1 KO), who resides in Chimbas, Argentina. Yudica was the IBF flyweight champ, making eight successful defenses until she lost by split decision to Arely Muciño of Mexico on October 29.

In her last fight on April 29, Yudica defeated Tamara Elisabet Demarco by split decision.

Yudica may be carrying momentum going into her fight Friday night, but Estrada believes her style will be too much for Yudica to handle.

“Everyone thinks they’re going to shock the world when they get in the ring with me,” said Estrada at Wednesday’s press conference. “But then, that bell rings and they see that my style is just different. I’m a different fighter.

“I never overlook my opponent. I know that she has faced tough champions before, and she is not afraid to take a risk and fight champions. But my style is unlike any other champion she’s faced.”

Estrada has called out IBF and WBO unified titleholder Yokasta Valle on several occasions in an attempt to become undisputed champion at 105 pounds. Attempts were reportedly made on behalf of Estrada through Top Rank and manager Jerry Cazarez to finalize a fight, but to no avail.

Ironically, Valle is co-promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, who also promoted Estrada before Estrada herself asked for her release.

Estrada has moved on from facing Valle. Estrada is contemplating moving back up to 108 pounds, or even fighting back at 112 pounds, where she defeated Marlen Esparza back in November 2019.

Estrada is currently ranked No. 5 in The Ring’s pound-for-pound Womens’ Ratings.

Other top female fighters, including Claresa Shields, Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Alycia Baumgardner, Chantelle Cameron, and Mikaela Mayer have left their mark in the sport thus far. For Estrada, she hopes to continue leaving her mark in the sport and prove her worth as well.

“I go into every fight wanting to make a statement,” said Estrada, who is trained by Dean Campos. “I always want to show a different part of everything I can do in the ring.

“This is just the beginning. We’re at a time in women’s boxing where all the top women are starting to headline. So, I’m just grateful and happy with Top Rank and ESPN for allowing me to be one of the female fighters that is leading the way for the next generation and for all the women in the sport.”