NEW YORK (January 25, 2011) – 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, one of the most decorated amateur boxers of all-time, returns to the ring after nearly a full year’s absence due to foot surgery, Saturday night in his Boxing 360 debut against Franklin “Yah Yah” Lawrence in the 10-round main event for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Caribbean Boxing Federation heavyweight title, at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York.
Estrada, fighting out of Providence, has fought everyone and anybody put in the ring with him, never turning down a fight, and none of his opponents has had a losing record (311-101-15 combined record of his opponents) when they fought “Big Six.” His three losses were all on the road in the backyards of former world champion Tomasz Adamek, 2004 Olympic gold medalist Alexander Povetkin and Travis Walker. During his 6-year pro career, Estrada has never been floored, never mind stopped, and the quick-handed, slick-footed heavyweight has unfinished business to take care of, which was supposed to start January 13 in Oklahoma. But he was snowed in at home, canceling that fight, but an opportunity eventually opened-up at Turning Stone when another Boxing 360 heavyweight, Mike Mollo, was injured in training camp. His CABOFE title fight Jan. 29 at Turning Stone against Manuel Quezada was scratched and Boxing 360 was able to fill the spot with Estrada-Lawrence.
“We want to thank promoter Dave Escalet for working with us to make this fight happen,” Boxing 360 Founder and CEO Mario Yagobi commented. “We believe that Jason has a big future and we’re going to do everything possible to help make him world champion.”
The 30-year-old Estrada (16-3, 4 KOs) was one of the most highly-decorated American amateur boxers ever, compiling an amazing 261-14 record in U.S. competition, as well as the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row. The highlight of his amateur career was representing the United States in the 2004 Olympics, although planter ficitis in his right foot severely hampered his training and performances.
“I was ticked-off because that day was finally here,” Estrada spoke about his disappointment regarding the cancellation of his January 13th fight. “It just didn’t work out but flames were coming out of my nose that day. I was ready to go. I didn’t stop training, other than for that weekend, and went back to work in the gym that following Monday. Boxing 360 said they were working on something for me and, just in case, I stayed in the gym. It worked out better for me.”
Jason’s most impressive performance as a pro arguably was a one-sided,10-round win by decision against former NABO/NABA/WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion Lance “Mount” Whitaker (32-5-1, 27 KOs) in their April 4, 2008 ESPN2 FNF show headliner.
In his last fight, Lawrence (13-2-2, 8 KOs) knocked out Lance Whitaker last September in the seventh round of their IBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight Championship bout. One of Lawrence’s two pro losses was to former world champion Oliver McCall by 10-round decision.
“I don’t know much about him other than he beat Lance Whitaker, a fighter I’ve also beaten,” Estrada noted. “It really doesn’t matter I know what I’ve been doing and he can’t match that. I haven’t fought for a while but my foot feels great. It’s the easier transition I’ve made in a long time. This is a great opportunity to get me back in the heavyweight mix. I’m happy not to be fighting in my opponent’s backyard like I did in my three losses.”
Lennox Allen in action Friday night in Yonkers, NY
Another Boxing 360 fighter, New York State super middleweight champion Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen (13-0-1, 8 KOs), will be in action Friday night against Jesse Orta in a 6-round, non-title fight at the Yonkers Armory.
“Since signing with us,” Boxing 360 Director of Boxing Bob Duffy remarked, “This is Jason’s first step towards getting into the worldwide ratings. He’s only two or three fights away from fighting any heavyweight in the world. He has great talent, ability, knowledge and he’ll fight anybody – all the ingredients to be heavyweight champion of the world. Jason is one of the few fighters to never turn-down an opponent. He has respect, but no fear, and that attitude is a key for being competitive today in the heavyweight division.”
Other members of Boxing 360’s stable include USBA heavyweight champion Maurice “Sugar Moe” Harris, Mike Mollo, world super bantamweight contender Leon “Hurry Up” Moore, Joshua “The Juice” Harris, Emad Ali, former IBF super middleweight champion Alejandro “Naco” Berrio, NY State super middleweight title-holder Lennox “2 Sharpe” Allen, KO king Tyrone Brunson, Angel “Toro” Hernandez and “King” David Estrada.
Go to www.Boxing360.com for more information about Estrada, Boxing 360 or any of its other fighters.