Minutes after Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada Romero of Puerto Peñasco had claimed victory in the WBC super flyweight title fight against Thai boxer Sor Rungvisai in Inglewood, California, he sent a video back to fans and family glued to screens in the once fishing village now thriving tourist destination in northwestern Sonora on the Sea of Cortez.
“Hello! I want to thank everyone, all my followers from Puerto Peñasco, to all my people in Puerto Peñasco. We got our third title, now super flyweight from the WBC! I’m very happy for all the support you provide. ¡Ánimo!”
In the 12 round rematch bout against Rungvisai on April 26th, the unanimous decision in Gallo’s favor 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113, led to a burst of applause and shouts as the announcer started to proclaim “Damas y caballeros de México….” The new WBC Super Flyweight Champion of the world , Juan Francisco EL GALLO Estrada!
Following two earlier world titles (WBA and WBO) in the flyweight division, El Gallo had dropped weight classes a few years ago in search of a fight with Román “Chocolatito” González of Nicaragua, having a controversial loss to him in the flyweight division in 2013. However, Rungvisai beat González, which led to Gallo and the Thai fighter’s first face off last year (which Rungvisai won through unanimous decision).
After the fight, the 29 year old Gallo explained “I wanted to show people I’d come to throw punches, from start to finish. I dedicate this fight to all of Mexico, my dear Sonora, and of course to Puerto Peñasco.”
¡Felicidades Gallo!
