|
Navigation
|
 |
Article Navigation:
Want to write?
We're always looking for new writers and people willing to help out with the magazine and site. If you're interested, [Click here for more info]. |
|
Stay Updated!
If you'd like to stay updated and recieve a notice when the next issue of is released, just sign up at our forums by [Clicking here]. We will send out a mass e-mail to all our members when the next issue is released. |
|
Your Comments
Let us know how you feel about this issue. We will read all posts made and would appreciate any comments and/or suggestions that you may have. [Click here]. |
|
|
|
 |
Boxer Profile of the Month - Jason Estrada
by Adam the Bostonmmafan, Team IronLife Writer
Meet Jason Estrada, 23 years old of Providence Rhode Island, and America’s best hope for it's first gold medal in boxing since David Reid won it in 1996. After losing to Michael Bennett in the 2000 Olympic qualifiers, Estrada has had one single mission: to make the 2004 team. Along the way, he has beaten such pros in the amateur ranks as Malik Scott, DaVarryl Williamson, Malcolm Tann, and Jason Gavern. Estrada became the first super heavyweight to ever win three straight U.S. Championships and the first non Cuban to win Pan-Am gold.
Entering the 2004 Olympic qualifier, as the media darling , Estrada proved that he lived up the hype. He had not lost in America since his fateful bout four years a go to Michael Bennett. A broken hand got in the way last time, but nothing would stop Jason a second time a round. The qualifiers are a double elimination tournament set up though a blind draw. The first week would crown a winners bracket champ and a losers bracket champ, with the two finalist to face each other a week later.
On day one, Estrada drew second the ranked super heavy in the country, George Garcia. Already, Jason had beaten George 3 times in a row. At the qualifiers Jason made it 4 in a row, by winning 16-4. Day two brought on a new opponent in Travis Walker, but a similar result. After a slow start, Estrada takes control and moves on with a 15-4 win. Mike Wilson became victim number 3, Estrada wins 23-14. Now all Estrada, needed was one more win over the winner of the losers bracket. By beating George Garcia, Mike Wilson had once again earned the right to challenge Estrada. Staying cool under pressure, Estrada beats Wilson for the second time in a week, this time by a score of 14-5. With the win, Estrada became the first American boxer to qualify for the 2004 Olympic games.
The dream that started when he was a 10 year old novice had been fulfilled. Jason started boxing at an early age under the guidance of his father and head trainer, DR. Roland Estrada. What started as a way to stay out of trouble, soon transformed into an all consuming hobby. He gained the attention of the amateur scene by winning the 165 and 201 pound US Junior Olympic title in 1995 and 1996, respectively. Through it all, Jason has stayed in the same Providence gym with his father by his side. Working hard everyday and compiling an impressive 261-14 amateur record.
What sets Jason apart, is his god given hand speed. He reports that the fights happen in slow motion with him punching at a higher level. At 6’1 240 pounds, relies on his speed and sound footwork to consistently beat his opponent to the punch. "That's what makes me different than everyone else. I am physically strong too, stronger than a lot of the other guys. A lot of these guys are 6-5 or 6-6 and weigh around 250 lbs. They all tower over me, but when we get in the ring, we're all the same size," says Jason on the official usboxing.org website.
No time to rest now, Jason must get ready for the 2004 Summer Olympics. There if things go as expected he will face reigning European and World Amateur champ Alexander Povetkin. Alexander has a similar size as Jason but with greater power and less hand speed. The two were set to meet last fall at a US-Russian duel meet, but Povetkin pulled out with an illness. Should this match happen it will be the best match of the Olympics. One of the great thrills in boxing is following a prospect though the ranks and transition from a prospect to a contender. Remember the name Jason Estrada, in a few years he will be a top 10 fighter ready to challenge for a title.
* Article by Adam the Bostonmmafan, Team IronLife Writer.
* Back to Issue #7 Frontpage
|
|
|
