23.01.06 – PROVIDENCE, RI – U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada (5-0, 1 KO) plans to make some noise in the heavyweight division this year and the first major test of his young pro career will be February 12 against Yanqui Diaz (13-3, 8 KOs) in a six-round bout, on “The Contender Special – East Coast Pride” card, at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence..
Estrada, 25, was one of the most celebrated amateur boxers in U.S. history, registering a remarkable 261-14 record in the United States, including an unprecedented three consecutive triumphs in the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge (2001-2003). He captured a gold medal at the 2003 Pan-American Games and represented the U.S. in the 2004 Olympic Games.
Diaz represents a quantum leap for Estrada in terms of a professional opponent. The Cuban-born Diaz shocked the boxing world in 2004 with his first-round TKO of previously unbeaten Juan Carlos Gomez (37-0). Two fights later, Yanqui won a 10-round decision against world title challenger Vaughen Bean (44-4).
“I want to fight opponents who’ve established themselves in the heavyweight division and that’s why I’m fighting a guy like Diaz in only my sixth fight,” Estrada recently said from his training camp. “I know fans want to see me fighting guys they’ve heard of and respect. Diaz has beaten Gomez and Vaughen, but I’m not worried about him at all. Sure, it’s always a disadvantage fighting somebody with so much more pro experience, but I’m sure I saw a lot more different styles in the amateurs than he has in his entire boxing career.”
Estrada holds wins as an amateur against six contemporary professionals sporting a combined record today of 117-11-1, 80 KOs: top 10 rated heavyweight DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson (22-4, 18 KOs), Malik Scott (23-0, 10 KOs), Malcolm “The Showstopper” Tann (16-2, 8 KOs), WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title-holder Donnell “The Real Touch of Sleep” Holmes (23-0-1, 22 KOs), USBA & NABF cruiserweight champion Felix “Bad News” Cora, Jr. (17-0-2, 9 KOs) and Michael Simms (15-5-1, 13 KOs).
“People think Diaz is an awkward fighter,” Jason’s father/advisor Dr. Roland Estrada noted. “He’s 6-4 and makes guys look bad. Jason, as always, is confident as hell. He won’t be looking for a knockout. Like in any of his fights, he goes for a win and if it comes by knockout, it comes by knockout.”
For more information about Jason Estrada visit his web site at www.jasonbigsix.com.