By Andreas Hale
December 3, 2022
Source: ESPN
Photo Source: (SN/Lewis Ward/Matchroom Boxing)
After 36 rounds, we still don't know who the better fighter is.
Juan Francisco Estrada (44-3) hung onto an early lead despite a late surge from Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez (51-4) to take a narrow majority decision in the rubber match of their trilogy and claim the WBC super flyweight championship at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on Saturday night . It didn't reach the ridiculous highs of more than 2,500 punches thrown in their previous fight, but it was entertaining as the two engaged in an excellent bout.
It didn't start off that way, though, as Estrada routinely beat Chocolatito to the punch early. It appeared that the 35-year-old Gonzalez was aging before our eyes; he seemed to be a step slower and a punch behind as his pressure wasn't enough to prevent Estrada from picking him off with counterpunches and sink hooks to the body. Chocolatito's corner urged the living legend to get back to his old ways. It took a little longer than expected.
After showing some life at the end of the fifth round, the old Chocolatito returned. The Nicaraguan closed the gap and launched punches in bunches to make this a true fight of two halves.
Estrada saw the fight getting away from him as Gonzalez launched his comeback. For many onlookers, it seemed that the fight was hanging in the balance as they entered the final round. But Estrada dug deep and fought a brilliant three minutes as the fighters excited the crowd. Estrada's pinpoint accuracy and body shots appeared to close the show strong.
Estrada is now 2-1 against his rival, but with yet another entertaining fight in the books, there could be a fourth fight in their future.
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