Unified WBC/WBA Minimumweight World Title Bout Headlines Exciting Night at The Palms, LIVE on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT TONIGHT.
Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (24-0, 9 KOs), one of the leading figures in women’s boxing, will be defending her WBC/WBA minimumweight world titles against Argentina’s former world champion, Leonela Yudica (19-1-3, 1 KO) on Friday. The match will take place at the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
The event will also feature a 10-round junior lightweight co-main event where Las Vegas native Andres “Savage” Cortes (19-0, 10 KOs) will face off against Sacramento’s Xavier Martinez (18-1, 12 KOs).
The action-packed card also includes matches with 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas, Dominican Olympian Rohan Polanco, Japanese southpaw Subaru Murata, lightweight prospect Charlie Sheehy, and Cleveland-born light heavyweight Dante Benjamin Jr.
The full card will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. The event is promoted by Top Rank, and tickets starting at $50 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
Estrada excitedly reveals, “This is a mere stepping stone, we’re witnessing a new era in women’s boxing where top-class women boxers are taking center stage. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Top Rank and ESPN for letting me be a vanguard in the realm of female fighters, inspiring the upcoming generations and fostering a revolution in the sport.”
Argentina’s native Yudica exclaims with joy, “This is an opportunity that fills me with immense happiness. As an Argentinean, being able to make my debut in the city of sin, Las Vegas, and introduce myself to the world, feels beyond incredible. I am prepared and ready to seize this wonderful chance.”
Cortes confidently states, “The adrenaline is kicking in. I could defeat Martinez and Nova in a single evening. I have no qualms about knocking out two rivals within a week. Martinez doesn’t concern me; his appearance is like a wanderer. This is a piece of cake. I feel as good as I look and I can’t wait to knock this guy off his high horse.”
Martinez reflects on his journey, “I’m thrilled to make a comeback. My last match had its ups and downs, but that’s the nature of life. However, I’m back on my feet again. I had a productive training camp this time around. I’m eager to get into the ring and showcase my skills. I am geared up to regain my previous stature.”
Nova shares his motto and experience, “‘No fear, no doubt.’ This is what I stand by. One must remain fearless and persistent. Robeisy Ramirez is a formidable opponent. Not everything turned out as planned in that match. But mental strength is paramount in this sport. Self-confidence is our greatest ally to keep moving forward as fighters.”
Fight Card Details: live on ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
Seniesa Estrada (104.4 lbs) vs. Leonela Yudica (103.7 lbs)
This will be a 10-round bout for Estrada’s WBC & WBA Minimumweight World Titles.
Andres Cortes (130 lbs) vs. Xavier Martinez (129.7 lbs)
This Junior Lightweight fight will last for 10 rounds.
Karlos Balderas (135.9 lbs) vs. Nahir Albright (134.1 lbs)
This Lightweight bout is set for 8 rounds.
Rohan Polanco (142.9 lbs) vs. Cesar Francis (141.8 lbs)
This Junior Welterweight bout is also set for 8 rounds.
Abraham Nova (130.8 lbs) vs. Jonathan Romero (130.8 lbs)
This Junior Lightweight fight will be a 10-round match.
Subaru Murata (121.5 lbs) vs. Juan Centeno (123.3 lbs)
This Junior Featherweight fight set for 6 rounds.
Dante Benjamin Jr. (170.1 lbs) vs. William Langston (171.9 lbs)
This Light Heavyweight bout will consist of 6 rounds.
Charlie Sheehy (134.5 lbs) vs. Kaylyn Alfred (133.4 lbs)
This Lightweight match will also be a 6-round bout.