Top Rank is gearing up to present an unforgettable Friday night TONIHGT live from the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The broadcast begins at 7:30 p.m. ET exclusively LIVE on ESPN+.
The main event showcases a thrilling clash between the undisputed minimumweight champion, Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada, and Argentina’s tough ex-world champ, Leonela Yudica.
Estrada’s impeccable record (24-0, 9 KOs) speaks volumes of her skills in the ring. Her recent capture of the WBC title, following a resounding victory over the then-undefeated Tina Rupprecht, further solidifies her status as a world-class fighter. On the other side of the ring, Leonela Yudica (19-1-3, 1 KO) hails from San Juan, Argentina. An accomplished boxer in her own right, Yudica previously held the IBF flyweight title for an impressive eight-year stretch. Coming off a solid 10-round win against Tamara Elisabet Demarco, Yudica is primed and ready for battle.
Before the main event, fans will be treated to a sizzling co-feature: a 10-round junior lightweight showdown between Las Vegas’ own, Andres “Savage” Cortes, and Xavier Martinez, hailing from Sacramento. Both fighters bring exciting records to the ring, with Cortes boasting a spotless 19-0 (10 KOs) and Martinez close behind at 18-1 (12 KOs).
Cortes, who famously outperformed Teofimo Lopez twice during his amateur career, is now a seven-year pro, recognized for his thrilling, crowd-pleasing fights. Martinez, emerging from an 11-month layoff, is eager to demonstrate that he’s more than ready to step back into the junior lightweight title discussions.
On the broadcasting end, we’ll have the esteemed Joe Tessitore from ESPN calling the bouts, accompanied by none other than Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley, Jr. providing his expert insights. Mark Kriegel and Bernardo Osuna will be on the ground, bringing us real-time reports and behind-the-scenes coverage.
At Wednesday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.
Estrada expressed her gratitude towards Top Rank and ESPN for allowing her to be one of the pioneering female fighters that are headlining. She added, “This is just the start. Women’s boxing is gaining momentum, and we are making waves.” She never underestimates any opponent, acknowledging that her adversary has faced tough champions before. However, she remains confident, “My style is unlike any other champion she’s encountered.”
Leonela Yudica
With her debut in Las Vegas, Yudica is thrilled for the opportunity to showcase her talent, stating, “I’m eager to let everyone see who I am.” She believes she has been underestimated, despite her vast experience and a history of defending her flyweight title ten times. Yudica affirmed, “I am prepared to show that I have what it takes to regain the world champion title.”
Andres Cortes
Cortes demonstrated his eagerness and confidence, quipping, “I’m ready to knock out two guys in a week. I’m not worried about Martinez. He’s an easy task.” He asserts his claim over Vegas, stating, “This is my city.” Cortes is assured of his preparation and is looking forward to the bout.
Xavier Martinez
Martinez is excited to make a comeback after a setback in his last fight. He said, “That’s life. But I’m bouncing back.” He credits Robert Garcia for his great training camp and is eager to get back on track.
Abraham Nova
Nova’s motto, ‘No fear, no doubt,’ reflects his attitude towards his fight against Robeisy Ramirez. He expressed, “You have to keep moving forward.” Despite some unfavorable events in his previous fight, he emphasized the need for mental strength. He ensured his fight would bring fireworks, stating, “I always aim for the knockout.”
The main event features Seniesa Estrada squaring off against Leonela Paola Yudica in a 10-round fight for Estrada’s WBC/WBA women’s strawweight title. The undercard promises plenty of action as well, with the following bouts scheduled:
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(LIVE on ESPN+ 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT)
Seniesa Estrada weighed in at a trim 104.4 lbs, her rival Leonela Yudica just a feather lighter at 103.7 lbs. The two are vying for Estrada’s WBC & WBA Minimumweight World Titles, a battle scheduled for 10 adrenaline-fueled rounds.
In the Junior Lightweight division, Andres Cortes registered a solid 130 lbs, with Xavier Martinez nipping at his heels at 129.7 lbs. Their tussle, also slated for a rigorous 10 rounds
Karlos Balderas and Nahir Albright, the two boxers in the Lightweight division, weighed in at 135.9 lbs and 134.1 lbs respectively. An 8-round war awaits these warriors.
In the Junior Welterweight class, Rohan Polanco and Cesar Francis tipped the scales at 142.9 lbs and 141.8 lbs, respectively, scheduled to trade blows over 8 grueling rounds.
The evenly matched Abraham Nova and Jonathan Romero, both registering 130.8 lbs, are set for a 10-round fight.
In the Junior Featherweight division, Subaru Murata (121.5 lbs) and Juan Centeno (123.3 lbs) gear up for a 6-round match.
The Light Heavyweight division features Dante Benjamin Jr. (170.1 lbs) squaring off against William Langston (171.9 lbs) in another 6-round spectacle.
Charlie Sheehy (134.5 lbs) and Kaylyn Alfred (133.4 lbs) prepare for a 6-round skirmish.