Zanfer Promotions head Fernando Beltran’s post pandemic wish list of fights he’d like to make immediately after the coronavirus crisis is over is highlighted by a rematch between 115-pound champions Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman” Chocolatito” Gonzalez.
But can he take it to the bank?
The former pound-for-pound stalwart Gonzalez supplanted himself back into the elite category with a one-sided beating of Kal Yafai for the WBA 115 pound title.
Estrada is the WBC super flyweight titlist. In 2012, Estrada faced Gonzalez as a light flyweight in his US debut for the only time in his career and lost a spirited and competitive unanimous decision to Gonzalez, then at the peak of his powers.
“We would love to make that rematch,” Beltran told BoxingScene.com in an interview. “It was a war — just imagine if Estrada fought at his weight in 2012? Now we’re going to fight at 115. Let’s see if Chocalatito can handle him now. Chocalatito proved that he’s still a very good fighter. He’s for real. It was not a one-night performance. He was a pound-for-pound star for many years and a rematch absolutely has the potential to be a fight of the year contender.”
Beltran said Estrada has recovered from a hand injury that has kept him out of the ring since August after he made a defense of the title he took from Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in 2019, who twice conquered Gonzalez in 2017.
The 30-year-old Estrada (40-3, 27 KOs), who’s promoted by Beltran, and Gonzales, are both demanding top dollar for their services.
“I’m the champ. I have a lot of respect for him. It’s a big fight and we both deserve big purses,” Estrada said in a conversation with Jessie Vargas and Gonzalas during “Peleamundo,” Matchroom Boxing’s new YouTube show.
The 32-year-old Gonzalez (49-2, 41 KOs), a four-division champion at minimumweight, light flyweight, flyweight and super flyweight, said the lower divisions are the centerpiece of the sport.
“We’re the ones carrying boxing right now, the smaller weight classes, and if I fight Estrada, it’s going to be historical,” added Gonzalez. “Everything looks and sounds good but it’s all about the money. We’re friends and both fighting for our families. I want to unify if I’m given the opportunity. I’ll fight whatever opponent is available. I know there will be some good fights made by the promoters.”
Beltran will break open the coffers if his broadcast partner, most likely DAZN, is willing to pay for what should certainly be a sensational fight.
“It all depends on the network, and how big the interest is in seeing them in the ring,” said Beltran. “Of course, everyone thinks they deserve the world. The network decides what works for them and they make you an offer. It’s very transparent to know how much money is out there for them.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist and member of the Boxing Writers Assn. of America since 2011. He has written for the likes of the LA Times, Guardian, USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, Men’s Health and NFL.com and currently does TV commentary for combat sports programming that airs on Fox Sports and hosts his own radio show in Los Angeles. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan or via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com.