Marlen Esparza Wins in LA Then Points Out Seniesa Estrada
By David A. Avila
LOS ANGELES-Houston’s Marlen Esparza scored her first knockout win of her pro career when she stopped Philadelphia’s Laetizia Campana in the third round of their flyweight match at Belasco Theater.
Before an enthusiastic crowd including a potential foe Esparza (5-0, 1 KO) dominated the out-gunned Campana (2-5) behind combinations and strong rights to the head and lefts to the body. The Golden Boy Promotions main event was nationally televised and streamed worldwide.
Campana tried valiantly to return fire but she kept running into big blows including a quick three-punch combination that left the Philadelphia boxer bleeding from her nose in the opening round.
At the end of the second round Esparza dominated with big punches forcing the referee walked to Campana’s corner and asked if she wanted to continue. He then walked over to the inspector and both nodded but let the next round commence. But not for long.
Esparza walked straight toward Campana and began firing straight powerful blows again. Referee Zack Young did not hesitate to stop the fight 11 seconds into round three for a technical knockout win. The former U.S. Olympian then pointed at light flyweight contender Seniesa Estrada sitting in the front row ringside.
“We worked on being more aggressive and landing the right hand,” said Marlen Esparza. “People aren’t used to seeing that side of me, so I showed it to make a statement. Who do I want? Did you see me point at her after I won? I want Seniesa Estrada. “
Estrada sat silently with her father alongside as Esparza celebrated the win. But when interviewed the East Los Angeles prizefighter vented her feelings.
“I’m not going to keep my mouth shut. I’m going to say what I want to say,” said Estrada who won her main event debut at Belasco Theater last month. “I know the fans want the fight and the fight is eventually going to happen.”
Regarding Marlen Esparza’s victory she was even more pointed.
“I came tonight to show her (Esparza) this is my hometown and I’m here. I’m not surprised it wasn’t a KO the ref stopped the contest,” said Estrada to Finoboxing. “I’m not surprised she fought a girl with two wins and four losses and who is 40 years old and hasn’t fought in two years. What do you expect? But that ain’t me, that ain’t my level.”
Esparza was equally fiery when told of Estrada’s comments.
“I’ve been in the ring with better girls than her,” said Esparza to Finoboxing. “You can’t win a boxing match with words.”
Before both Esparza and Estrada fought their main events Golden Boy matchmaker Roberto Diaz said the two are headed to a showdown before the end of this year.
“Oh they are going to fight,” said Diaz.
California is ready to heat up.
(Photo by Al Applerose)