Lourdes Juárez: A Warrior’s Path
On December 19, Mexican boxing fans around the world will celebrate the birthday of Lourdes Yoana Juárez Trejo, a fighter whose career has embodied resilience, family roots, and championship excellence. Known affectionately as “La Pequeña Lulú,” Juárez has carved out a place among the most respected names in women’s boxing, proving that heart and discipline outweigh size and expectations.
Born in Mexico City on December 19, 1986, Juárez grew up in a household deeply connected to the sport. Boxing wasn’t just something she watched, it was woven into her daily life. Her older sister, Mariana “La Barby” Juárez, became one of Mexico’s iconic female champions, inspiring Lourdes to follow her path into the ring. What began as admiration quickly evolved into ambition.
Juárez made her professional debut on October 26, 2013, knocking out Gabriela Martinez in Toluca, a powerful first step that showcased her natural toughness and ring instincts. The early years brought challenges, including two losses in 2014, but instead of slowing her rise, those moments sharpened her approach. She rebuilt with discipline, stacking victories and developing into a polished, assertive super flyweight contender.
Her breakthrough came on December 12, 2020, when Juárez captured the WBC female super flyweight world title by outpointing Guadalupe Martínez Guzmán in Mexico City. The win didn’t just elevate her to champion status , it confirmed her as one of the country’s premier technicians, carrying forward a rich tradition of Mexican grit and skill.
Juárez defended the belt multiple times against skilled challengers, relying on clean combinations, smart footwork, and relentless pressure. Still, boxing offers no easy roads. In 2022 she lost the super flyweight title to Asley Gonzalez and lost again in a 2023 rematch. Rather than fading, Juárez adapted. She recalibrated her conditioning, adjusted her strategy, and embraced a new opportunity.
In November 2024, she surged back to the top, claiming the WBC light flyweight world title with a victory over Yesenia Gómez. Dropping down to 108 pounds sparked a new chapter in her career, allowing her to highlight her speed, timing, and ring generalship.
Momentum followed her into 2025. On March 7, Juárez defended her light flyweight belt with a ninth-round TKO of Mirna Sánchez; it was a decisive win that reaffirmed her championship status. Then in October, she retained her title with a razor-close majority decision over Yesica Nery Plata at Most Valuable Prospects 16 in Texas, underscoring her durability and competitive spirit.
Across more than 40 professional fights, Juárez’s record speaks to her consistency and toughness: 39 wins, 4 losses, and 1 no contest, with 5 KOs. But statistics only capture part of her story.
Outside the ring, Juárez is a dedicated mother of two sons, Dominik and Derek — a role she balances with the demands of championship-level preparation. She also invests in the future of the sport, working with young fighters at her gym in Mexico City and serving as a mentor for rising prospects. Her influence stretches far beyond her own accomplishments.
Juárez also belongs to a rare group in boxing history: siblings who have each risen to world championship status. Alongside sister Mariana, she forms one of the sport’s elite sister duos, adding another compelling chapter to Mexico’s vibrant boxing tradition.
As she celebrates another year on December 19, Lourdes Juárez remains a dynamic presence in the sport — a champion, mentor, mother, and relentless competitor. With her career still unfolding and her drive undiminished, “La Pequeña Lulú” stands as a testament to perseverance and ambition, continuing to inspire fans across Mexico and around the world.