PROVIDENCE, RI (October 30, 2006) – Smaller gloves, no headgear and different scoring aside, America’s top heavyweight prospect — 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada — doesn’t think anything else, particularly the final outcome, will be any different November 17 against unbeaten heavyweight Travis “Freight Train” Walker, who Estrada defeated three times as an amateur, on Showbox: The Next Generation from the Soboba Casino in San Jacinto, California. Estrada-Williams is the co-feature headlined by Sam Soliman-Enrique Ornelas..
Providence-native Estrada (7-0, 1 KO), 25, hasn’t lost a single round as a pro in 39 frames, including a 10-round “shutout” performance May 18 against veteran Robert Wiggins (20-6-1) in Jason’s sixth paid bout.
Walker, 2003 National Golden Gloves champion as a super heavyweight, and Estrada fought three times as amateurs with “Big Six” sweeping the competition at the 2000 National PAL Championships, 2-01 Everlast-US Challenge and 15-4 ion the US Olympic Trials.
“I spanked his ass three times and none were really close,” Estrada remembered. He’s strong, a bruiser who’s 6-4 1/2 and athletic. Not very fast, at least compared to me. He didn’t have much experience (when they fought in the amateurs). He never came back any different; I made adjustments each time. I’m not saying what happened as amateurs has anything to do with this fight, but he knows I beat him three times – he lost three times! I’m sure that he’s somewhat different now but not to the point it’ll change the outcome.
“He’s a pretty big (tall) guy, especially compared to me. He’s a solid fighter with a decent jab, the same stuff he had before. When I put my hands together from the start he’ll forget his jab and start throwing wide.”
Estrada 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 Olympics.
In addition to Walker, as an amateur Estrada defeated Malcolm Tann, DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson, Malik Scott, Donnell “The Real Touch of Sleep” Holmes, Felix “Bad News” Cora, Jr. and Michael Simms among the more notable contemporary pros today.
“Fighting on Showtime is motivation for me because we’ll be fighting on a big stage to look good,” Estrada concluded. “I’m in camp working extra hard. If I’m told to go six rounds, I go eight; eight rounds I go 10. I’m pushing harder because so many people are going to see this fight. Physically, I feel I will be in the best shape of my pro career – no little bumps or bruises this time – and I’m very confident. I’ve already beaten him three times and that has to be in his head.”
For more information about Jason Estrada visit his web site at www.jasonbigsix.com or his promoter’s at www.cesboxing.com.