Yokasta Valle Eager to Fight Seniesa Estrada and More News
(Photo by Al Applerose)
By David A. Avila
Whether running up the volcanic mountains of Costa Rica or scaling the Hollywood Hills, three-division world champion Yokasta Valle wants to conquer.
It’s what she does.
And now that Yokasta’s sister Naomy Valle has become a professional boxer too, you always see both toiling away at a dizzying pace wherever they are. For the past year they have made the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood their base of operations.
On this particular day everyone at the famous gym is celebrating Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach. It’s his birthday and a special guest is Mexico’s great Jackie Nava who retired recently. Roach receives his gifts from the fighters and then it’s back to work.
In a few weeks Valle (30-2, 9 Kos) meets Seniesa Estrada (25-0, 9 Kos) on Friday March 29, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. ESPN will show the fight. The winner walks away with the IBF, WBO, WBA, WBC world titles and rightful claim as undisputed minimumweight world champion.
“I want to be undisputed like Amanda Serrano,” said Valle.
It’s never been accomplished before in the minimumweight division of 105 pounds.
Yokasta Valle also wants to be the next sisters to win world titles like Amanda and Cindy Serrano and Mariana and Lourdes Juarez.
“Yoka is very competitive,” says Mario Vega her manager from Costa Rica.
Need an example?
Within three years after her debut as a pro Valle eagerly challenged Japan’s greatest female fighter Naoko Fujioka a five-division world champion. She traveled to Tokyo and scrapped and fought as hard as possible against the Japanese champion. Though she lost, it gave her a reference point.
“She learned a lot from that fight,” said Vega. “She’s not afraid to fight anywhere.”
Six months later, Valle traveled to Germany to face WBC Tina Rupprecht for an interim version title. Again, she lost but many felt the judges badly tilted the scores for the hometown fighter. She hasn’t lost again.
Valle was kept busy fighting almost every other month. She also did not care if offers were overseas.
When an offer to fight Seniesa Estrada in the U.S. arrived in May 2019, Valle eagerly accepted the challenge. The fight was scheduled to take place at the Avalon Theater in Hollywood on June 13. Almost everything was set except that Valle’s trainer at the time was unable to obtain a visa. Valle refused to fight without her trainer. The fight was scrapped within a week of the fight.
Instead of fighting Estrada, a few months later the Costa Rican speedster Valle ended up traveling to Spain where she challenged IBF minimumweight world titlist Joana Pastrana and won a heated battle by decision. She dropped to her knees in tears after winning.
It was the first goal.
Now with a world title, Valle had leverage to entice the best fighters in the division. She wasted no time in defending the title against Venezuela’s Yenifer Leon and Philippine’s Carleans Rivas all within six months of winning the title.
But when the coronavirus pandemic hit in March 2020, everything came to a stop.
When the pandemic finally slowed and boxing made revisions to circumvent the spread of the coronavirus, slowly pugilistic events returned and Valle saw that Seniesa Estrada captured two world titles in two divisions in 2021. The Costa Rican fighter now viewed Estrada as the real challenge.
At a boxing event in the Los Angeles area in September 2021, Valle traveled and made an open challenge to Estrada to face her. At this event Maricela Cornejo fought Miranda Barber and Adelaida Ruiz battled Nancy Franco. In attendance was Claressa Shields and of course Yokasta Valle.
From this point on Valle would openly challenge Estrada who would savagely knock out Maria Santizo in December. Later, Valle would also fight Santizo and beat her handily in Los Angeles by decision.
When Valle signed a contract with Golden Boy Promotions in 2022, she figured that would automatically lead to a match with Estrada who was also promoted by the Los Angeles-based organization. But what she didn’t know was that Estrada was looking to gain a release from her contract and would leave in July 2022.
But the age of undisputed had arrived when Claressa Shields and Katie Taylor accomplished the feat and then others followed. It was a sure way to gain recognition in the boxing world that has too many world titles.
If you gather all the titles, there is no confusion. Only one true champion.
Now working with American trainer Gloria Alvarado, the Costa Rican speedster has honed down most of her running and clinching tendencies and refined her offensive and defensive skills. Valle has always had stamina, speed and a willingness to tangle against anyone in the world.
“We work on her accuracy,” said trainer Alvarado whose family roots include Benny “the Jet” Urquidez and Lilly Rodriguez both legends in combat sports. “She already throws more punches than anyone in boxing.”
Perhaps Valle’s biggest moment took place when Argentina’s undefeated Evelin Bermudez ventured to Los Angeles. The slightly taller fighter from South America was known for her powerful right cross.
“We took the right hand away from her,” said Alvarado trainer of Valle.
Valle said it was a pivotal moment that established her as a three-division champion. It also showed that her nonstop style could defeat an opponent with stopping power.
The Costa Rican fighter trains furiously along with her sister Naomy Valle at the Wild Card Gym. Though the teen-aged Valle has a slightly different style, both are tireless and focused.
“Though I could have fought Seniesa Estrada five years ago it means so much more today,” said Yokasta Valle. “I respect Seniesa and I know fans are going to see a great fight.”
Arizona watch out.
Other News
Terry Harper vs Sandy Ryan
Battle of champions takes place as Terri Harper (14-1-2, 6 Kos) drops down to welterweight to challenge Sandy Ryan (6-1-1 2 Kos) for the WBO welterweight title on Saturday March 23, in Sheffield, England.
Both Ryan and Harper engaged in fights against others that resulted in a draw. Ryan drew with Jessica McCaskill and Harper drew with Cecilia Braekhus. In this match the winner will take home the WBO welterweight title.
DAZN will stream the event that also features Dalton Smith versus Jose Zepeda.
Fight Announced McCaskill
Multi-welterweight world titlist Jessica McCaskill will defend against Welsh fighter Lauren Price on May 11, in Cardiff, Wales it was announced this week by BOXXER.
Chicago-based McCaskill last fought Sandy Ryan to a draw and was supposed to face Ivana Habazin on April 20, in Zagreb, Croatia.
More Fight News
Argentina
Lucrecia Manzur (10-4) defeated Laura Griffa (20-11) by unanimous decision after 10 rounds on Saturday March 9. The South American featherweight title match took place at San Miguel.
Australia
On Wednesday March 13, super flyweights Chloe Grech (1-0) and Connie Brown (2-0) meet four rounds at Wollongong.
On Saturday March 16, lightweights Krystina Jacobs (6-4) and Maureen Chand (3-4) meet six rounds at Hobart. Also, welterweights Kayla McKeown (0-0) and Leah Reuben (0-0) meet four rounds.
Bangladesh
Jui Lima (3-0) won by split decision after six rounds over Brishti Khatun (2-1-1) on Friday March 8. The super bantamweight fight took place at Dhaka. Also, minimumweight Sanjida Jannat (2-0-2) beat Sadia Islam (3-2) in four.
Canada
Vanessa Lepage (7-1) beat Abril Argentina (10-2) by split decision after 10 rounds on Thursday March 7. The WBC heavyweight world title fight took place in Montreal.
On Thursday March 14, featherweights Caroline Veyre (6-0) and Augustina Belen (8-6) meet eight rounds Montreal.
Chile
On Friday March 15, bantamweights Daniela Asenjo (15-3-3) and Victoria Torres (13-1) meet 10 rounds for a regional title at Valdivia. Also, featherweights Genoveva Candia (0-0) and Karen Almendra (0-0) meet four rounds.
Colombia
On Saturday March 16, super lightweights Monica Henao (6-3-6) and Paulina Angel (5-1-2) meet 10 rounds at Barranquilla.
Costa Rica
On Saturday March 16, light flyweights Gipsy Diaz (1-0) and Jeidi Perez (0-0) meet four rounds at Puntarenas.
France
Justine Lallemand (10-3-1) defeated Ivanka Ivanova (6-25-3) by decision after six rounds on Saturday March 9. The flyweight match was held in Sedan.
Romane Gaffray (8-5-1) won by unanimous decision after 10 rounds against Sabrina Flamand (2-6-1) on Saturday March 9. The French super bantamweight title match was held in Caen.
Welterweights Marine Beauchamp (5-1-1) and Mahjouba Oubtil (5-3-2) fought to a split draw after six rounds on Saturday March 9. The match was held in Levallois-Perret.
On Saturday March 16, flyweights Clothilde Del Ben (5-3) and Nevena Markovic (0-8-1) meet six rounds at Epernay. Also, Souad Masmoudi (3-1-1) and Dragana Golic (0-5) meet six.
Germany
Mandy Bohm (3-0) defeated Eva Hubmayer (5-7-1) by unanimous decision after four rounds on Saturday March 9. The lightweight bout took place at Munich. Also, Songuel Ayten (4-1) beat Nana Dokadze (4-21) by decision in four.
On Saturday March 16, lightweights Dilar Kisikyol (9-0) and Marisa Nunez (8-12-3) meet 10 rounds at Stralsund. Also, welterweights Muskan Shrivastava (3-4) and Geetika Prem Singh (0-0) meet six rounds.
India
On Saturday March 16, bantamweights Gargi Chahal (2-0) and Poonam Pun (2-1) meet six rounds at New Delhi.
On Saturday March 16, welterweights Archana Sharma (2-0) and Neha Jangra (2-0) meet four rounds at New Delhi.
Ireland
On Saturday March 16, flyweights Kate Radomska (3-3) and Klaudia Ferenczi (20-109-10) meet six rounds at Galway. Also, lightweights Shauna O’Keeffe (1-0) and Angelika Oles (2-10).
On Sunday March 17, super welterweights Sedem Ana (2-0) and Ester Konecna (4-26-2) meet six rounds at Castlebar.
Japan
Nana Yamashita (5-2) won by knockout over Suwanan Akapunya (3-3) in the second round on Friday March 8. The bantamweight fight was held in Tokyo.
On Friday March 15, atomweights Natsuki Tarui (4-10-4) and Mont Blanc Miki (5-6-1) meet six rounds in Tokyo. Also, Chiaki Matsumoto (0-0) and Yoko Shiraki (0-1-1) meet four; and minimumweights Hanako Adams (3-3-2) and Yurie Kishi (2-1-1) meet four.
Mexico
On Friday March 15, flyweights Cecilia Rodriguez (11-1-1) and Lucia Gutierrez (6-3-1) meet eight rounds at Nuevo Leon.
New Zealand
On Saturday March 16, super flyweights Michelle Preston (12-10-1) and Arisara Wisetwongsa (6-6) meet eight rounds at Auckland.
On Saturday March 16, heavyweights Tinta Smith (0-2) and Trish Vaka (1-7) meet eight rounds at Hamilton.
Nicaragua
Eveling Ortega (7-5) won by unanimous decision after eight rounds versus Yanissa Castrellon (4-2) on Friday March 8. The light flyweight bout took place at Managua.
Panama
Anahomi Gutierrez (3-1) beat Claudia Zarco (0-2) by decision after four rounds on Friday March 8. The super bantamweight bout took place in Panama City.
On Saturday March 16, featherweights Janicy Dos Santos (1-0) and Zuliana Mendoza (3-2-1) meet four rounds at Panama City. Also, lightweights Karol Hibbert (2-0) and Yaremis Reluz (1-4) meet four rounds.
South Korea
Featherweights Yoo Jin Lee (1-0-1) and Hyun Ju Oh (0-0-1) fought to a split draw after four rounds on Saturday March 9. The match was held in Pocheon. Also, flyweight Shi Yun Ryoo (2-0) beat Min Hee Kim (0-2) by majority decision after four.
On Saturday March 16, minimumweights Ryu Kyung Suh (7-0-1) and Riyuna Yoshikawa (6-2-1) meet 10 rounds for a regional title at Seoul. Also, flyweights Joo Young Kim (0-0) and See Hee Hong (0-0) meet four rounds.
Spain
Ana Acevedo (3-0) won by majority decision after four rounds versus Gabriella Paez (0-3) on Saturday March 9. The super flyweight fight was held in Ferrol.
Flyweights Jessica Brunet (0-4-1) and Florencia Villarreal (1-3-2) fought to a draw after four rounds on Saturday March 9. The match was held in Bilbao.
On Saturday March 16, super featherweights Almudena Alvarez (4-2) and Alba Sanchez (7-0) meet eight rounds at Mostoles.
Thailand
Panida Chatluang (7-8) knocked out Phatcharaphon Kransakun (0-1-1) in the fourth round on Sunday March 10. The minimumweight fight was held at Pathum Thani. Also, Ploypailin Palatsrichuai (7-4) knocked out Nichikan Komkam (0-3) in the fifth round; and light flyweight Suphattra Aunruean (7-2) beat Tassana Paladsrichuay (4-16) in eight rounds.
United Kingdom
Ester Konecna (4-26-2) defeated Roha Hudson (0-1) by decision after four rounds on Saturday March 9. The middleweight fight was held in Coventry, England.
Sian O’Toole (4-0) won by decision over Vaida Masiokaite (8-23-5) after four rounds on Friday March 8. The super lightweight match was held in Wolverhampton, England.
On Saturday March 16, super lightweights Zoe Hunte Smith (2-2) and Bec Connolly (3-20) meet six rounds at London, England.
USA
Jaica Pavilus (4-6-1) defeated Chiara Dituri (7-1) by majority decision after six rounds on Thursday March 7. The featherweight fight took place in New York City.
On Friday March 15, super bantamweights Jermesha Poke (4-0) and Trinity Stone (0-2) meet four rounds at Saint Charles, Missouri.
On Friday March 15, super middleweights Nisa Rodriguez (0-0) and Jozette Cotton (0-3-1) meet four rounds at New York City.
On Friday March 15, lightweights Maria Limon (0-2-1) and Lauren Michaels (1-1) meet four rounds at Dallas, Texas.
On Saturday March 16, super featherweights Wildalys Rivera (0-0) and Jessica Radtke (0-0) meet four rounds at Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Venezuela
Julimar Paez (4-0-1) was the victor by decision over Estefania Matute (9-22) after six rounds on Friday March 8. The super flyweight fight took place in Caracas.
Vietnam
On Saturday March 16, light flyweights Ngoc Linh Chi Ngo (1-0) and Huijiao Chen (1-2) meet six rounds at Vung Tau.