Juan Francisco Estrada Relinquishes World Flyweight Title

Unified flyweight champion Juan Francisco Estrada (33-2, 24 KO) announced that he is giving up his WBA world title.

WBA president Gilberto Mendoza Jr. told ESPN that Estrada sent a letter through his promoter, Zanfer Promotions, to the organization announcing that he is surrendering his title. Estrada is also the WBO champion, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will surrender that title as well.

“There is no reason expressed (in the letter) other than he needs time to decide his future in the sport,” Mendoza said. “He appreciated the relationship with our association and also said at the time he is ready he will come back to us.”

Estrada had not fought since September 2015 when he defeated Hernan Marquez via 10th round TKO. Estrada had been recovering from surgery on his right hand. He had been WBA and WBO champion since a split decision victory against Brian Viloria on April 2013.

Before winning the flyweight world titles, Estrada challenged Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez for the WBA World Light Flyweight title. Gonzalez is currently the WBC, Lineal and The Ring Magazine Flyweight champion as well as the WBC Super Flyweight champion.

In his five defenses as the flyweight champion, Estrada beat the likes of former world champions Giovani Segura, Marquez and former world title challenger Milan Melindo. The 26-year-old made his professional debut in his native Mexico against Sergio Chavez in 2008. 

There is no set date for when Estrada will return to the ring, and no word if he’ll keep fighting at flyweight.