Champion Juan Francisco Estrada Returns to the Ring

The franchise champion of the World Boxing Council, Mexican boxer Juan Francisco Estrada, is ready to put on gloves again this weekend in Hermosillo, Sonora.

After three months of training, following a year and a half absence, El Gallo will put on gloves to face Mexico City contender Argi Cortes, ranked 23rd in the WBC rankings.

Estrada decided to face Cortes – a fighter trained by Nacho Beristain – in order to gain momentum for December, as he has the trilogy with Nicaraguan Roman Gonzalez scheduled.

Aware of the risks that this fight brings, as Argi is younger and this will be his first approach to the elite division, Estrada assures to be perfectly prepared.

"We are ready to get in the ring, I am sure it will be a great fight, I am eager to return to the ring in front of my people and Argi will want to take advantage of his opportunity. I come with excellent preparation and feeling 100% in every way," said Estrada, who at 32 years old has a record of 42 wins, 3 losses, and 28 knockouts.

Argi, 27, is facing a career opportunity and with only two losses on his record, which are far enough in the past (from when he started his career), he is ready to surprise one of the divisions that has had the most new blood this year.

The event also includes the rematch between Mexican champion Erika Cruz and former Canadian champion Jelena Mrdjenovich for the featherweight title of the World Boxing Association.

The other title at stake is the vacant IBF Minimumweight, which will be contested by Mexican Hector "Baby Bull" Flores (20-0-4, 10 KOs) and South African Sivenathi Nontshinga.

Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Argi Cortes

Date: September 3rd

Location: Hermosillo, Sonora

Time: 7:00 p.m. CT

Rest of the card:

Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Argi Cortes, for the WBC franchise title

Erika Cruz vs. Jelena Mrdjenovich, for the WBA featherweight title

Hector Flores vs. Sivenathi Nontshinga for the IBF Minimumweight title