Srisaket to defend title against Estrada this weekend
This weekend, we will find out whether Srisaket Sor Rungvisai is for real. That might sound like a strange thing to say after the Thai fighter twice beat Roman Gonzalez last year, but it might be wise to place an asterisk against each of those wins.
Entering 2017, Nicaraguan Gonzalez was regarded by many as the best fighter in the sport, pound-for-pound. Certainly, he was the very best in his super-flyweight division. Then, in March, in one of the year’s biggest upsets (and best fights), Srisaket outpointed him, becoming an instant household name in his homeland.
The inevitable rematch six months later was even more impressive, with Srisaket scoring a resounding fourthround knockout. The brace of victories earned him fighter of the year accolades from various websites and newspapers, and he was named the Professional Athlete of 2017 by the Sports Authority of Thailand.
Srisaket’s story is that timeless boxing narrative of rags to riches, of the unknown underdog triumphing against the big-name champion. He’s gone from fighting nobodies for small change in markets and high schools to headlining American shows on HBO, and where once he would eat from the garbage he collected in his day job, he now dines with politicians and celebrities.
His life story is as compelling to read as his fights are to watch. It’s no wonder Thailand has fallen in love with the man. But now, as absurd as it may sound for a proven champion, it’s time to get serious.
Srisaket did what so few Thais have done by winning in the US. That it came against a champion of such formidable pedigree makes it even more impressive that he did it twice, doubly so.
But for those thinking his elite status makes him an automatic favourite in California this Saturday (Sunday morning, Bangkok time) when he defends his WBC belt against Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada, caution is advised — not least for Srisaket himself.
Let’s take a moment to scratch beneath the shining surface of those two marvellous results against Gonzalez.
The first fight was hard-fought and blood-soaked from bell to bell. The Thai’s hand was raised at the end, and Gonzalez took a loss for the first time in his professional career.
But it’s worth remembering that a significant number, if not the majority, of observers felt the judges had got it wrong. It was this contentious decision, as much as the fireworks that preceded it, which led to the rematch.
Regardless of the merits of the verdict, punters wondered if Gonzalez may have been slightly past his best. The rigours of nearly 50 pro bouts — 16 of them for world championships across three weight classes — may have taken their toll, they said. Where once Gonzalez was a destroyer, he had markedly struggled in the three fights prior to Srisaket.
The rematch promised answers. Four rounds later, with Gonzalez flat on his back, we had at least one: Gonzalez is a spent force. But is that because of Srisaket, or was Srisaket in the right place at the right time?
On Saturday, we will find out. In Estrada, the Thai meets a man at the very peak of his athletic curve.
The Mexican dazzled on the undercard of Srisaket v Gonzalez II as he outboxed Carlos Cuadras — a man who had comfortably beaten Srisaket in 2014.
Estrada also pushed Gonzalez to the wire in 2012, when Gonzalez was knocking everyone else out, and is a distinguished former two-belt world champion who has not lost for five and a half years.
While lesser known than Gonzalez, it is Estrada who will prove whether or not Srisaket is as good as the Gonzalez wins made him look.
If he is, Thailand can enjoy another famous night on the other side of the world. If he’s not, Estrada is the pick to win.