Future “Golden Girl” Seniesa Estrada

Amateur star’s victory at Club Nokia

A vicious “girl fight” broke out at Club Nokia last Thursday night before the pro fights began at the “Fight Night Club” presented by Golden Boy Promotions and AEG. With ponytails flying and a pink sports bra peeking out from underneath a tank top, the two chicks really went at it. No, this was not a beer-fueled brawl. And no, this fierce display of fisticuffs wasn’t over a boy.

This matchup was just one of three spirited amateur bouts that were showcased at the popular fight nights held at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. Proving they are just as tough as the males, East L.A.’s own Seniesa Estrada took on Shanne Ruelas out of Fresno in a three-round scrap that had the crowd on their feet cheering.

In the male-dominated world of boxing, women and girls have really had to fight their way toward success. But if you look around, you will see the fairer sex not only working in the sport but thriving in the sweet science. We are everywhere. There are the beautiful ring card girls, of course. But there are also a legion of female fighters, judges, referees, trainers, promoters, journalists, photographers, P.R. reps and more frequenting the scene–and holding their own amongst the men in the field.

And in the spotlight were two young warriors not only holding their own inside the ropes, but entertaining the crowd as they gave it their all in three rounds of combat. Under protective headgear, the feminine–but hard-slugging–duo did not let up until the final bell.

In the trio of amateur fights, the fans watched Luis Bello of Maywood defeat Luis Seldano of Duarte, Robert Galvan of Santa earn a decision over Julian Cruz of Long Beach, and Estrada and Ruelas go toe to toe center ring. The females both came out of their corners ready to blast away. Ruelas continued to pressure Estrada, who used her speed and movement in defending. Landing shot after shot in the second stanza, the match was close as the pair continued their inside battle. In the final round, Estrada prevailed showing the fans a great left hook along with good stamina from both of the talented girls. As referee Ray Chavez stood between the girls after the contest, the judges awarded the victory to 18-year-old Seniesa.

Estrada was very appreciative for the opportunity to fight on the undercard of Carlos Molina vs. John Figueroa at the high-profile setting of Club Nokia. Golden Boy Promotions also featured a title fight between female warriors Kaliesha West and Angel Gladney on the Shane Mosley-Sergio Mora undercard. For Seniesa, this was a chance to shine in front of her fellow boxers, many of whom she grew up with in the gym. Several second-generation boxers were there rooting her on, including Angel Bojado (Francisco “Panchito’s” brother) and Manuel Medina (trainer Clemente Medina’s son).

Trained by her father Joe Estrada, the amateur standout literally grew up in and around boxing gyms in her native Los Angeles. She has already traveled the world competing and winning championships in the Silver Gloves, Ringside World Championships, Junior Olympics, Blue and Golds, Desert Showdowns, Golden Gloves, Pan-Am Games and many more. She is clearly no novice. “I have about 88 fights now,” she says humbly. The teen now trains out of the Montebello PAL Gym, owned by boxer Sergio Mora, and is a disciplined athlete who keeps a steady gaze on her goal.

In her sights are the London 2012 Olympics–the first games in which women boxers will be allowed to compete! The females will fight in three divisions of flyweight (112), lightweight (132) and middleweight (165). Seniesa, who fought at 115 last Thursday night, hopes to earn a spot in the 112-pound division.

After her victory, I caught up with the pretty teenager, who many in the sport say has the the talent, wholesome good looks and personality to become an Olympic star. Another East L.A. standout who captured America’s heart was fellow East L.A. boxer Oscar De La Hoya, the beloved “Golden Boy” to millions around the world.

Could Seniesa become the “Golden Girl” if she makes the U.S. Olympic team? Could she be the one whose smiling mug graces the cover of the Wheaties box?

Sounds like a lot of pressure, but Estrada takes it all in stride. A firecracker on the canvas, she is sometimes reserved outside the ropes. She can appear quiet until she feels comfortable with someone; then she is just like any other normal fun-loving girl her age. Seniesa has also banked college credits while she studied at a local university and continues to train.

Estrada has admittedly entertained thoughts of going pro; many of her boxing colleagues have already achieved success in their professional careers. But now the young woman says she will try for an Olympic berth–and hopes to make history as one of the very first women boxers to ever compete. “Yes! I am staying amateur to try and make the 2012 Olympic Team,” she confirmed when I asked her about future plans. “I am excited for the long journey I have ahead of me in order to get there.”

Seniesa also said how much she enjoyed being able to fight in front of a home crowd. “Is that what you liked most about fighting at Club Nokia?” I inquired. “What I enjoyed most about fighting at Nokia is the exciting vibe you get from the fans and your friends there!” she replied. “And yes, I also get to fight in my home town with the fighters I’ve been around for years.”

Her opponent kept the fight extremely competitive and was no walkover for Estrada, who battled ’til the end to earn a hard-fought victory. “What this a tough fight for you?” I wondered.

“The fight WAS tough because the girl weighed much more than I did,” she explains. Her opponent Ruelas weighed six pounds more than she did. “So it made it a little difficult but I pulled it off by staying smart. But was a good fight.”

So what’s next for this fearless female who I watched grow up through countless USA Boxing shows and tournaments?

“I’m going to be fighting again on December 3!” the likable teen shares with excitement.

Looks like “Girl Power” is here to stay.

Maybe after the Olympics, the chance for all females to compete–and share the spotlight with male boxers–in both amateur and pro fights will not be such a rarity anymore. The sport IS making strides; the first-ever Women’s International Dual Series just concluded on Saturday. This Oxnard event featured top amateur female boxers from several countries competing at the elite level. More and more promoters are including female matches in their shows. And one of the best-selling books in boxing making quite a splash is called “Extraordinary Women of the Ring.” This book by boxing photographer and former pugilist Mary Ann Lurie Owen showcases decades of fearless female faces from the ring who deserve credit for paving the way for young girls, future champions and the next generation of ring superstars–just like Seniesa Estrada.

Women in boxing is here to stay. Get used to it.

Photos by Marlene Marquez: Shanne Ruelas, Ray Chavez and Seniesa Estrada