Boxing 360 Signs Heavyweight Jason Estrada

2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, one of the most decorated amateur boxers of all-time, has a new lease on his boxing career after undergoing career-changing foot surgery and signing a promotional contract with Boxing 360.

“We’re very happy to sign a former Olympian like Jason,” Boxing 360 Founder and CEO Mario Yagobi commented. “We believe that Jason has a big future and we’re going to do everything possible to help make him world champion.”

The 30-year-old Estrada (16-3, 4 KOs) was one of the most highly-decorated American amateur boxers ever, compiling an amazing 261-14 record in U.S. competition, as well as the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row. The highlight of his amateur career was representing the United States in the 2004 Olympics, although planter ficitis in his right foot severely hampered his training and performances.

Estrada embarked on his pro career, putting off foot surgery, but earlier this year a podiatrist strongly recommended an operation because the problem was adversely affecting Jason’s spine through improper walking, as well as his ankle, and constant shocking was extremely painful.

Surgery this past May sidelined Estrada until October and now he’s raring to go. “Waiting to get back in the ring wasn’t really bad until the last month or two because my foot hadn’t healed,” the gifted heavyweight explained. “I haven’t felt this good since two years before the Olympics. I had hurt my hand in the Golden Gloves. That set me back but I had fights all over the world and everything went downhill from there.

“Top amateurs have busy schedules and it became all work, no fun, and then I had planter ficitis during training camp for the Olympics. I never really had any time to rest my body. Fighting made my foot worse but, in a way, it’s been like a blessing in disguise because I’ve had a chance to rest my body during the time I’ve been off (Jason hasn’t fought since this past February).”

Estrada, fighting out of Providence, has fought everyone and anybody put in the ring with him, never turning down a fight, and none of his opponents has had a losing record (311-101-15 combined record of his opponents) when they fought “Big Six.” His three losses were all on the road in the backyards of former world champion Tomasz Adamek, 2004 Olympic gold medalist Alexander Povetkin and Travis Walker.

During his 6-year pro career, Estrada has never been floored, never mind stopped, and the quick-handed, slick-footed heavyweight has unfinished business to take care of, starting January 13 in Oklahoma, when “Big Six” makes his Boxing 360 debut in the main event against an opponent to be determined.

“I don’t know how much rust I’ll have,” Estrada noted. “In training, my timing’s been great and everything’s been smooth – no pain in my foot, back, elbow, shoulder or anywhere. The time-off gave my body much needed rest. I’m a different fighter, too. Now I know about the business of boxing having sat in with my father and promoters. I know that it’s not easy getting into championship fights. In the ring, I’m more experienced and smarter.

“I’m hoping something big happens for me in the next 4 ½ years,” Jason added. “I’m done after that because I’m not one of those guys who want to fight into his forties. I signed with Boxing 360 to get positioned for a world title fight. I want to be able to win at least one of the big belts and make some good money for my family and start a business after boxing. Boxing 360 doesn’t have too many fighters, so they can give special attention to each of their fighters. I know that they will put in the time and effort for me. I’ve never felt better, in or out of the ring.”

Jason’s most impressive performance as a pro arguably was a one-sided,10-round win by decision against former NABO/NABA/WBC Continental Americas heavyweight champion Lance “Mount” Whitaker (32-5-1, 27 KOs) in their April 4, 2008 ESPN2 FNF show headliner.

“Boxing 360 believes that Jason Estrada is one of the most talented heavyweights in the world,” Boxing 360 Director of Boxing Bob Duffy remarked. “We were at ringside for his last fight against Adamek and it was a lot closer than the judges scored it. Jason stayed right there with Adamek and, knowing Adamek is a player in the heavyweight division, Jason knows that he is, too.

“The Klitschkos aren’t going to be around forever and we’re going to get Jason in position for a legitimate world title fight. Jason’s never been beaten-up and he’s a young 30. No heavyweight today has more boxing skills than Jason and now, after his foot surgery, he’s healthy again and the sky’s the limit.”