Poula Estrada’s Pro Debut Victory

“Rumble in the Desert” a Success

There’s a brand new face in women’s pro boxing.

Poula Estrada made her pro debut last night at the Pioneer Event Center (PEC) in Lancaster, Calif. at the “The Rumble in the Desert” promoted by Rodriguez Promotions. Here is my special report and photos from Saturday’s event held at the PEC on the grounds of the University of Antelope Valley.

The 21-year-old Estrada hails from Palmdale and had a huge group of family and friends coming out to catch her highly-anticipated pro debut. The lanky flyweight faced San Bernardino’s Blanca Raymundo (1-11-0) in a four-round match on the undercard of the Jonathan Alcantara vs. Erik Ruiz main event. While opponent Raymundo only has one win on her record, she had more pro experience than the debuting Estrada. But Poula was focused and confident before the bell rang.

“I’m calm; I’m not nervous at all,” Poula told me an hour before the bout began. “I’m ready and I can’t wait!”

With her slim figure and unmarked face, Poula doesn’t look like a hulking, rough-and-tough boxer that the general public might expect her to look like. But she’s all business in the ring. She fights with a fierceness and intensity that belies her graceful appearance. She is trained by her father/trainer Hervi Estrada at the AV Boxing Club; Palmdale’s Hervi is also a veteran matchmaker in the sport.

During the four rounds of action, the crowd got to see Poula’s skills and talent that have earned her many championship belts and awards as an amateur. She is a 2011 and 2012 Mex Games Gold Medalist and has tons of international experience. And the amateur champ and new pro took to the spotlight with ease. She is a switch hitter who can fight in a southpaw stance and Poula showcased her speed and ring finesse against the shorter Raymundo. Using her long reach, Estrada attacked to both the head and body of her challenger as the crowd cheered: “Poula…Poula…Poula!”

She boxed with fluid movement, utilizing her jab and technical skills. At the end of four frames, a unanimous decision was announced by emcee Sonny Franco. Official scores were 40-36 from all three judge with Poula securing her first win as a professional fighter. It was a shutout for the young puncher and a very happy evening for Team Estrada and the AV Boxing Club.

The Mexican-Guatemalan warrior was a popular draw in the venue with her three siblings, mom Delmy and other familiar members gathering around her after the victory.

“During her fight I didn’t know whether to scream or cry,” her proud mom, Delmy, said with a big smile after the win. “Poula did great and I”m so happy for her.”

Her father Hervi (who was the matchmaker for this “Rumble in the Desert”) beamed with pride as well. Rodriguez Promotions next show is in October and the local boxing fans are already looking forward to it. Team Estrada plans to have Poula on this upcoming show as the “Pride of Palmdale” is already building a strong following.

While the plans are to have her fight in October, her father is also hoping to keep her busy in the ring. Hervi has worked as a matchmaker bringing in opponents for Thompson Boxing Promotions. Estrada told me he enjoys working with TBP’s matchmaker Alex Camponovo and it would be great if they could put Poula on a future card. She remains fresh after her July 19 win and Team Estrada says she’s ready to rumble again ASAP.

“I would love it if Thompson Boxing and Alex gave her a chance to be on one of their cards,” Hervi mentioned. Her dad/chief trainer said she can fight anywhere in the 106-112 range. The monthly Thompson fights would be good experience for Poula the team says. Thompson Boxing is also in the minority of Southland promoters who feature women’s bouts in their shows with boxers such as Sindy Amador, Carina Moreno, Maria Suarez, Adrienne Alegria, Jolene Blackshear and even Estrada’s foe Blanca Raymundo and more, all having fought on Thompson cards. Hervi thinks Poula would be a perfect fit in bringing the action on the canvas. “I’m hoping to get her on a Thompson card before her October fight,” Estrada commented.

Her legion of fans are already asking when her next fight will be. Long after her match ended, the brunette was still greeting well wishers who came from near and far to witness her successful pro debut. They brought homemade signs (“Go-Fight-Win!”) to cheer her on and made their presence known throughout her fight. After the victory, she posed with her friends and new fans who wanted to meet this humble young lady. Her supporters also gave her congratulatory bouquets of flowers, which made Estrada look more like a beauty queen than a “bruiser” on this special night. But make no bones about it, the 21-year-old is tough as nails. She may have delicate features but when the bell rings, Poula’s expression turns to full-on beast mode. She loves to box and has the drive to go all the way to the top.

Still smiling without a scratch on her pretty face, Poula told me she really enjoyed the night and receiving so much support from everyone. “I want to thank everyone for coming out,” she said. “I really appreciate it. It means a lot to me and I can’t wait to fight again!”

With her youthful desire, work ethic and wide-eyed ambition, Estrada is one to watch.

Look for Poula Estrada gunning for her next pro victory this fall!

Photos by Michele Chong