2004 U.S. Olympian Jason "Big Six" Estrada (11-1, 2 KOs), coming off of his dominating win by 10-round decision in January against former world heavyweight title contender Charles Shufford, plans to breakaway from the rest of the U.S. heavyweight prospect pack with a convincing performance April 4 on national television against former NABO/NABA/WBC Continental Americas champion Lance "Mount" Whitaker in the 10-round main event on "Heavy Hitters," promoted by Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment, Inc. at Twin River Events Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island.
Estrada-Whitaker moved from co-feature to main event on the April 4th ESPN2 Friday Night Fights show when Estrada's CES stablemate, "Baby" Joe Mesi (36-0, 29 KOs) suffered a shoulder injury forcing him off of the April 4th card.
"Fighting on ESPN2 in the main event is one more step I need to take," Estrada said. "I'm happy not the way it happened with Joe getting injured but now this is my moment. I've been waiting for this chance. I was going to be on TV in the co-feature, anyway, but now I'll be the guy in the main event."
The 6' 8" Whitaker (32-4-1, 27), who has beaten former world champions Oleg Maskaev (KOs) and Al "Ice" Cole, will not be the tallest opponent Estrada has ever fought. Back in the amateurs, Jason defeated a 6' 9" Cuban fighter and, although it's difficult to find sparring partners Whitaker's height, Estrada can't wait for the challenge.
"I have the kind of hand speed Whitaker's never seen before," Jason spoke about his experienced opponent. "He's been around a long time and has a lot of experience, but Whitaker's also 35 and I don't think he's gotten better with age like some boxers. He's too big and his arms are too long. I'll be putting pressure on him from the start. I'll be going forward and he'll be going backwards. I'm going to keep beating him to the punch. I'll out-hustle him like I did to Shufford.
"We were given a list of opponents. I wanted to fight on TV and said yes right away when his name was brought up. Beating a fighter like Whitaker he's big and has a big name -- on national television will accelerate my career. I'm not taking anything away from him. Maybe he'll come out hungry. Who knows? But Whitaker better worry about me. I'm younger, stronger faster, quicker and more motivated. I don't care if he's 6' 8" because we're not playing basketball. (Mike) Tyson proved height doesn't matter in heavyweight boxing."
Estrada, promoted by Jimmy Burchfield's Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), recently opened his own gym, "Big Six Boxing Academy," in Providence.
"It doesn't get any bigger than this," Estrada's father and advisor/head trainer Dr. Roland Estrada commented. "What better way for Jason to prove himself than on ESPN2 in the main event. It will give him an opportunity to impress fans all over. He's fighting a 6' 8" guy who has fought just about everybody and only has four losses in 37 pro fights. It's going to be a nice time to shine and separate Jason fro the pack, into a fight against a top 20 opponent and on the way to becoming world champion. People are going to be surprised at how strong Jason is. He's been working very hard."
Providence-native Estrada, 27, was one of the most highly decorated American amateur boxers ever, compiling an amazing 261-14 record in U.S. competition. He was the first boxer to win both the U.S. Nationals and U.S. Challenge three years (2001-2003) in a row. Highlights of his amateur career included representing the United States in the 2004 Olympics and capturing a gold medal at the 2003 Pan-American Games.
During his sensational amateur career, Estrada defeated some of today's leading professionals including former world title challenger DaVarryl "The Touch of Sleep" Williamson (24-5, 20 KOs), unbeatens Malik Scott (30-0, 10 KOs) and Donnell "The Real Touch of Sleep" Holmes (28-0-2, 24 KOs), Malcolm "The Showstopper" Tann (23-4, 12 KOs), and Felix "Bad News" Cora, Jr. (18-2, 9 KOs).
Tickets for "Heavy Hitters," promoted by CES, are priced at $35.00 (ADA stage seating only), $40.00, $50.00, (Bronze), $75.00 (Silver), $100.00 (Gold) and $150.00 (Jimmy's Platinum Club) are, available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going on line at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at the Twin River Event Center (100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI), or any TicketMaster location. Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or Twin River Events Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET.