This weekend’s event is about more than just another homecoming for Juan Francisco Estrada.
A near-yearlong layoff ends when the former two-division titlist returns to the ring this Saturday. Estrada will face Karim Arce atop a TV Azteca show from Centro de Usos Multiples in his hometown of Hermosillo, Mexico.
The bout will be the first for Estrada, 44-4 (28 KOs) at bantamweight. Having previously enjoyed championship reigns at flyweight and junior bantamweight, the 35-year-old future Hall of Famer now aims to become a three-division king.
“A renewed ‘Gallo’ is coming to bantamweight,” Estrada said of his move up in weight. “God willing, we’re going to become bantamweight champion.”
Estrada has not fought since his seventh-round knockout to Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, 21-0 (14 KOs), last June 29 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The setback ended his stay of more than five years as the lineal 115lbs champion, and with it his WBC title reign. Estrada didn’t go down without a fight, however. He managed to floor Rodriguez – one of the sport’s best pound-for-pound fighters – in the sixth round before he was taken out one round later.
Included in his brilliant run to that point were a combined four wins over Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Carlos Cuadras – the division’s own ‘Fab Four.’
Among his five successful title defenses, two came at the very local venue that will house the start of his planned bantamweight run. Two of his wins during that run sold out this location, where he holds the mark for the highest attendance and live gate for a combat sports event.
His last appearance here came in a September 2022 narrow win over Mexico City’s Argi Cortes, which set up his rubber match with Nicaragua’s Gonzalez later in the year.
Estrada’s first fight in 51 weeks comes against a familiar rival.
Los Mochis’ Arce, 21-2-2 (8 KOs), is the nephew of legendary former multi-division titlist Jorge Arce. The 27-year-old has carved out a respectable career in his 10 years as a pro, though he’s yet to advance beyond the fringe contender level.
He does have history with Estrada, as the two previously sparred years ago.
What took place during those sessions are of less interest to the returning former five-time titlist than what he expects from his younger countryman this weekend.
“I’m an experienced, five-time world champion,” Estrada noted. “I’m certain he’s going to want to rip my head off.
“But with my experience… I’m really looking forward to becoming a champion once again.”
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as a senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home. Follow Jake on and .