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05/04/2006 Archived Entry: "David Estrada: I’m Confident I can win against James Kirkland!"
David Estrada: I’m Confident I can win against James Kirkland!
By Juan C. Ayllon
Photo by Tom Barnes
David Estrada shadow boxes in the ring
CHICAGO – David “The Weezel” Estrada faces another stern test at the Lucky Star Casino in Concho, Oklahoma on May 5th. A road warrior of sorts, Estrada often fights on opponents’ home turf, where he puts on a good show and represents his hometown well. Currently, Estrada has a record of 9-5 with seven knockouts.
His opponent is James Kirkland who, at 12-0 with 10 knockouts, is coming back after nearly a three year hiatus from the ring.
Speaking late Wednesday night, Estrada shared his thoughts on his upcoming match briefly.
DAVID ESTRADA: I just got out of the shower and I’m getting ready to pack. My flight leaves at 8 to fight James Kirkland, 12-0 with 10 KO’s. I don’t know much about the guy except he’s supposedly a good fighter, he just signed with Gary Shaw Productions and he just got out of prison.
On why he took this fight:
There were a couple reasons I took the fight. Number one, I felt confident I could win the fight. Number two, this guy hasn’t fought in three years, I believe. But then, he just had a fight several weeks ago and he won by knockout. And another reason is all his fighters have been at 147 lbs. and he’s fighting me at 160 and even though he’s the bigger puncher, I should be the naturally bigger man because I’ve been fighting at this weight the longest. And the money’s good. It’s a six rounder. It’s a great opportunity. It’s going to be on Sho-Time as a swing bout. If the main bout finishes early, I’ll be on TV.
On the need to win this fight:
It’s a make ‘em break ‘em fight. Every fight is a make ‘em break ‘em fight. I always fight decent opponents. If the fight’s right, I’ll do it. I come to fight. I, of course, want to win this fight. If I want to go to the next level, I have to win these types of fights.
Right now, they’re trying to use me as an opponent. They look at my record, 9-5 with seven KO’s, but look who I fought and where I fought.
Again there’s another opportunity to shine on television.
I’m just focused; I’ve been training really good.
On his loss to Canadian prospect Renan St. Juste in February:
The last fight I was winning, but I got caught. One little mistake can turn the tables around. My mistake in that fight was I caught him with a great shot, I posed for a picture, he caught me with a counter left hook, I got up, but the ref waved it off. As a fighter, I felt I could continue. But, what are you going to do? Each fight is a learning experience.
I’ve got the skills, the reach and the power.
On how his sparring and preparation for this bout:
I feel really good for this fight, I don’t feel weak for this fight, I feel strong. I sparred with Eddy White, a former WBO champion. I sparred with Jason Robinson, a cruiserweight who fought a great fight with James Toney. He was winning the fight until he got caught. Jason Robinson’s at least 200 lbs. He’s a southpaw. And also Rudy Cisneros, who was a great amateur and a good pro.
On his confidence:
I’m ready to get in the ring and shock the world! Don’t lose faith in me. I feel like I’m going to pull the upset. I let my hands go, it’s going to be a short night.
Two of my wins went the distance; two of his wins went the distance. It’s going to be a great fight.
A message to Miguel Hernandez, who lost to former IBF Light Middleweight Champion Raul Marquez last Saturday:
Also, just tell Miguel Hernandez keep your head up, you fought a good fighter who’s no cream puff, no tomato can; he’s been in there with the best. And for Miguel to come from where he came from, with very few amateur fights, that’s an accomplishment. My hat’s off to him. Don’t give up, ‘cause I haven’t given up on you. It’s not an easy sport and he went 10 rounds with a former IBF champion. Think of the positives: you got ring experience.
On people he's thankful to:
I feel real great about my trainer, Glen Peavey, and my chiropractor, Dr. David C. Smith, who’s the Fight Doctor for the UFC. And he’s worked with all sorts of fighters starting with the Gracies, Bob Sapp, Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell…Thanks for putting me together.
Also thanks to Jorge Hernandez, my coach and my girlfriend, Franzie, for the motivation.
A parting word to fans in Chicago:
One last thing: Just thank Chicago and watch me on Sho-Time!
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As with most of his fights, this one should be a barn burner. Needless to say, those watching will have additional reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Let the fireworks begin!
