This upcoming weekend see?s one of world boxing?s most anticipated cards with Tom Loeffler?s 360 promotions presenting from the LA Forum ?Superfly 2?, following on from the success of ?Superfly? which took place in September last year. The cards purpose is to give a high echelon platform for fighters in the super-fly division on major network television in the United States.
?Superfly 2? is no different than the first edition, showcasing a number of fighters boxing for major titles or elimination contests as the flyweight and super-flyweight scene continues to blossom. No fewer than six current or former world champions feature on ?Superfly 2? this Saturday all competing in championship fights to create a stacked night of championship boxing.
The main feature of the card of which it is understandable to have your own personal choice is the return of Sirsaket Sor Rungvisai who defends his WBC world super-flyweight title against mandatory challenger and former unified flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada. Rungvisai has risen his profile to the highest standing it has ever been following his back to back victories over previous multi-weight unified world titleholder and pound for pound #1 ranked Roman ?Choclotito? Gonzalez in 2017. Rungvisai produced two showings against Gonzalez of the highest order to claim his WBC world title, firstly outpointing Gonzalez in March of 2017 to claim a points verdict, following up with victory in September in the rematch knocking out Gonazlez in four rounds to the shock of the boxing world. Not only did Rungvisai stop the march of Gonzalez to a world?s best record (44-0 at time of the first bout approaching to the joint record of Rocky Marciano & Floyd Mayweather 49-0) but outshine and ultimately clinically put away the Nicugrian and dampen the mystique of Gonzalez, of whom at the time looked virtually unbeatable. Rungvisai has already been the WBC?s titleholder at 115lbs previously holding the title between 2013 and 2014, winning the title from then holder Yota Sato before losing the title to Carlos Cuadras the following year after a one successful title defence. Rungvisai is certainly a sizable puncher for the weight, out of 44 victories, 40 of those have come by stoppage with his most biggest scalp coming against Gonzalez.
Now in the opposite corner will be one of Mexico?s most underrated fighters and entertaining and mandatory challenger, Juan Francisco Estrada. The talented Mexican will be challenging for a world in a third weight class against Rungivisai after a successful and fruitful reign at flyweight which saw Estrada hold both WBA ?Super? and WBO world titles. Estrada has fought any of the words top-contenders at flyweight whilst being a world champion and is repeating the same feat at super-flyweight. A fighter known for his aggressive intentions, Estrada, is coming into this in full confidence following last September?s victory over Carlos Cuadras which was a fight of the year contender. Estrada and Cuadras battle and fought tooth and nail with Estrada knocking down Cuadras in round 10, which turned out to be vital as Estrada claimed a unanimous points verdict with all three judges having Estrada winning the bout by one single point. Estrada has two losses on his record (one early on in his career which has since been red-deemed) one of which coming against the previously mentioned Roman Gonzalez. Estrada was defeated by Gonzalez in November 2012 and has remained ever since. Now aged 27 Estrada is seemingly coming into his own as a fighter now that his previously notable injury issues have been put to the side.
Statistically, it seems that Estrada will be the much bigger man in height and reach if ?listed figures? are to be believed with a sizable advantage in height but mainly reach, but fights are not won on paper and they never will be.
The styles will blend well into an entertaining contest, a battle of southpaw (Rungvisai) and orthodox (Estrada) both are sizable punchers respectively certainly Rungvisai with such a high knockout ratio. However one aspect will always be of question regarding Rungvisai is that yes despite the victories of Gonzalez and Sato, is the quality of the CV of the Thai fighter. It has certainly done Rungvisai no damage so far in his career as the 31-year-old fighter is in the form of his life to date. Estrada on opponent calibre faced throughout his career his to many head and shoulders Rungvisai, but has fought many a tough battle as a fighter against the likes of Melindo, Gonzalez, Cuadras, Viloria to name but a few examples. Yes, the damage has been received, injuries which obviously takes away some of the life-span of a fighter who competes at such light-weights. However, Estrada like Rungvisai and even more so Estrada has the proven world level seasoning.
It is an intriguing fight and is arguably the best fight you could have globally for a world title outside of a unification contest. it could very well claim fight of the year status even at this early stage of 2018.
Joining the main event from the LA forum will be arguably the best Phillipino fighter many UK based fight fans won?t have heard of. Donnie Nietes former longtime holder of the WBO minimumweight and light-flyweight world titles and current IBF world flyweight champion has had a long and successful career racking up a record of 40 wins, 1 defeat and four draws as a professional. Nietes is now getting the plaudits and recognition he deserves as he prepares to face Argentina?s Juan Carlos Reveco in the second defence of his title.
Nietes who has never lost in a championship level fight ( sole loss coming in 2004 against Abrin Matta who weighed in 6lbs overweight for an agreed weight at 108lbs but still fought) and will be looking to keep up that statistic against former world champion Reveco. Reveco himself is a former two-weight world champion at light-fly and flyweight and could potentially be involved in his last title opportunity if defeat strikes on Saturday night.
The popular Brian Viloria will be seeking for his fifth world title as he faces Ukrainian Artem Dalakian for the vacant WBA flyweight world title. Now 37, Viloria has again had a long successful career and is one of the most popular fighters on the US circuit. Viloria has never been one to dodge opponents has boxed the world over plying his craft, returned to the sport in 2017 following a two-year break after defeat in 2015 to Roman Gonzalez.
The last contest of title action see?s Carlos Cuadras seeking to re-cement his standing within the WBC super-flyweight ranks as he faces McWilliams Arroyo for the WBC Silver super-flyweight title. Cuadras has publicly stated that if successful against Arroyo he wants a shot of redemption against Gonzalez or Estrada if an opportunity to face Rungvisai isn?t available.
The broadcast from the LA Forum is avaliable to view in the US on HBO.
