The world of boxing was left stunned on Wednesday as undefeated minimumweight champion Seniesa Estrada announced her retirement from the sport at the age of just 32. The trailblazing fighter from East Los Angeles leaves behind a perfect 26-0 record, with her last bout in March seeing her become the undisputed queen of the 105-pound division.
A Pioneer for Women’s Boxing
Estrada’s sudden departure from the squared circle brings an end to a remarkable career that saw her break down barriers and elevate women’s boxing to new heights. A professional since 2011, “Super Bad” lived up to her moniker by carving a path of destruction through the ranks, collecting titles in two weight classes along the way.
Her crowning achievement came earlier this year when she outpointed the previously unbeaten Yokasta Valle to become the undisputed minimumweight champion – a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that no male boxer has ever achieved undisputed status in the division’s history.
“We did everything we imagined I would do and more as a woman in a male dominated sport,” Estrada reflected in her retirement announcement on social media. “It’s been one wild ride…I hope that my style of fighting is one that people will remember forever.”
Making Her Mark with Two Promotions
Guided for much of her career by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, Estrada raised eyebrows in the industry when she jumped ship to rivals Top Rank in July 2022. The move allowed her to compete four times on ESPN in high-profile slots and further burnish her credentials as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in women’s boxing.
Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum paid tribute to Estrada’s talents and charisma following her retirement. “Seniesa Estrada is a spectacular person and fighter, and I know she can look forward to a happy and productive life outside the ring,” he said. “Everyone at Top Rank will miss promoting her boxing career.”
Joining the Retirement Trend
Estrada’s surprise decision to walk away follows a recent trend of elite boxers hanging up their gloves while still at the peak of their powers. In the last 18 months, undefeated champions like Terence Crawford, Naoya Inoue and Katie Taylor have all announced their retirements, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
However, those close to Estrada reveal that she had been contemplating retirement for some time. “Only God knows how long I’ve been contemplating this decision,” she said. “Physically and mentally, I can’t continue anymore.”
“She’s achieved everything she set out to do in boxing and more,” a member of Estrada’s inner circle told me. “For Seniesa, there are no more mountains left to climb. She wants to go out on her own terms, with her health and her legacy intact – and she’s earned that right.”
Blazing a Trail
While her time in the ring may have come to an end, Estrada’s impact on boxing will be felt for years to come. As one of the first Mexican-American women to become a world champion, she served as an inspiration for a new generation of female fighters looking to make their mark.
Her fan-friendly style, infectious personality and fierce advocacy for gender equality also helped to shatter stereotypes about women’s boxing and bring the sport into the mainstream consciousness like never before.
With Estrada’s departure, the minimumweight division will crown a new ruler, but filling her shoes will be no easy feat. Whoever inherits her throne will be tasked with carrying the torch that Estrada lit and building on the foundation she laid for a brighter future for women’s boxing.
As for what comes next for the newly retired champion, Estrada plans to focus on her personal life and continue being an ambassador for the sport that made her a star. “Boxing will always be in my blood,” she said. “I’m excited to see what the future holds and to support the next generation of fighters coming up. My story in the ring may be over, but my love for this sport will never die.”
A pioneering fighter. A captivating personality. A legacy that will endure. Seniesa Estrada may be stepping away from competition, but her impact on boxing is only just beginning. All hail the queen.
