Interview with flyweight pro boxer Seniesa Estrada

Interview by Pattee Mak – October 7, 2013

Seniesa Estrada, from East Los Angeles, California, is a twenty-one year old female boxer, who stands 5’2, and weighs around 108-112 pounds (flyweight division). She picked up her first boxing gloves at the age of eight, and never looked back. She had a successful amateur career as a member of Team USA, winning silver gloves, the PAL nationals, and the Ringside World Championships. After competing in the 2009 USA National Championships, she was the #1 ranked, female amateur boxer in the United States. Later, she went on to represent Team USA in the 2009 World Continental Championships. Estrada is currently 2-0 as a professional, and is looking to help women’s boxing gain more mainstream notoriety by putting in work, both in and out of the ring. She is trained by Dean Campos at Montebello PAL, located in Montebello, California. Campos also trains Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora. Her father, Joe Estrada, is a big part of her management team. Here’s what Seniesa had to say…

Pattee Mak: The last time you stepped into the ring was on July 1, 2011, against Blanca Raymundo. You were going strong with two fights in 2011. I understand you had an injury to your foot. But now we are going on two years since you’ve been in the ring. Why did you take so much time off?

Estrada: My injury occurred in December 2011 and the recovery period was four months. After the four months was up, in April 2012, I returned to the gym. I noticed that my foot was not healed, and there was more to my injury than the doctors had thought. I spent the rest of 2012 going through therapy. I have been in the gym since January of 2013, and feel completely healed. I’m ready to get back in the ring and take any ring rust off.

Pattee Mak: Since you haven’t fought in the ring in quite some time, do you think your next opponent will have a greater advantage over you if they have been fighting consistently?

Estrada: I don’t think my opponent will have an advantage. I have been working harder than ever in the gym. I’m even stronger and better than I would’ve been if I had fought last year. I think I will have some ring rust that I will need to shake off. What gives me an advantage is my amateur experience, and my ability to adjust.

Pattee Mak: When is your next fight? Do you have anything scheduled?

Estrada: I don’t have any fight date scheduled yet. My team is actively looking for fights now. I’m eager to get back in the ring. I’m evolving as a fighter in every way, and can’t wait to display my skills and represent all the women in the sport.

Pattee Mak: Tell me about your two professional fights. They both went the distance of four rounds. Were you hoping for an early stoppage?

Estrada: I wasn’t looking for an early stoppage, because I didn’t want to become impatient or forget about my game plan. I wanted to show that I am a composed fighter. In my first two fights, I realized that 2 minutes isn’t enough time, especially in a 4 round fight. I like to set up punches, use mis-directions and break my opponents down. It’s difficult to do all of that in a four round fight. I’m looking forward to building my record and fighting more rounds.

Pattee Mak: What sets you apart from other flyweights in your division?

Estrada: What sets me apart from other flyweights is my unique style. I think it’s a style that no one has seen in women’s boxing. Defense is a huge part of my style. I fight with tactics and strategy each time I’m in the ring. I am able to switch up and adjust to my opponent’s style or game plan. I like to step into the ring knowing that I have an answer to anything that my opponent brings to the fight.

Pattee Mak: I have found with women’s boxing there just isn’t enough opponents out there, and from time to time, women tend to keep fighting the same opponents. How do you feel about this? Is it at all discouraging?

Estrada: It’s definitely discouraging at times, because I don’t want to fight the same person over and over. A fighter should continue to advance in their career, by fighting new people, and having new challenges. People will become disinterested in my career if I just fight the same opponents. I’m competitive, I like to fight different styles, and I like to have new challenges each time I fight.

Pattee Mak: What was the most important thing you learned in the amateurs? What would be your advice to young amateur girls that are contemplating a future pro boxing career?

Estrada: The most important thing I learned in the amateurs was to set myself apart as an individual, and as a fighter. Setting myself apart helped me stay focused, and made me stand out to my fullest potential. I learned to set goals in my amateur career, and learned what it takes to achieve them. I would tell young girls in the amateurs to remain consistent, and set goals for yourself as an amateur, because the effort you give now will follow into your pro career.

Pattee Mak: You turned pro in 2011. Are you disappointed that you weren’t a part of the 2012 Olympics?

Estrada: I wasn’t disappointed. I was in the amateurs for 12 years. After fighting for twelve years, I wanted to turn pro. I felt my style would fit in the pros better than it would with the point system. When I made my pro debut, I couldn’t have felt more comfortable with my decision. I’m happy where I am today.

Pattee Mak: Was it at all difficult for you to transition from fighting as an amateur to fighting as a pro?

Estrada: I didn’t find it difficult to transition into the pros because I started training with Dean Campos, who had the experience and knowledge necessary to make me a better fighter. He corrected my amateur mistakes, and made me better in every way. He sharpened my defensive skills and punches. We worked on following and changing game plans, and how to use certain tactics. He taught me the when, where, why, and how to punching. I felt comfortable stepping into the ring as a pro.

Pattee Mak: What would you like to say to other females out there who would love to start boxing, but maybe are afraid to try?

Estrada: I would say give it a try if it’s what you really want to do. Don’t be afraid. Boxing is a tough sport, but with hard work and determination, you can be successful and achieve great things. The lessons you learn in boxing can help you in any other sport you try, and can also help you in your own personal life.

Pattee Mak: I understand that you are attending East Los Angeles College, and that you are majoring in communications. Do you find it difficult to go to school, study, and train as a professional boxer?

Estrada: I find it difficult at times, and it can be tiring, but I’m all for education. Boxing is different from other sports. For a boxer, it’s up to me to continue my education after high school. Education is important, and as an athlete it’s something I want to encourage others to fulfill.

Pattee Mak: In the beginning, both your dad and mom, Joe and Maryann, didn’t want you to box. Have they ever looked back and said that they had wished they brought you into the boxing gym sooner or took on a different approach?

Estrada: My parents didn’t like the idea of me boxing, but as years went by, they saw the dedication and passion I had for it. My dad is my biggest supporter. He is in the gym with me every day, giving me words of encouragement. My mom wishes I would’ve taken a different approach, but she still gives support when she can.

Pattee Mak: What advice does your trainer Dean Campos give you about becoming a world champion in women’s boxing? Does he train other women in addition to you?

Estrada:  Dean gives me the same advice that he would give to any male fighter that he trains. He tells me to be consistent in training, and never forget to do the little things. One of the first things people do, and not just fighters, but people in all aspects of life, is forget to do the little things that gave them the success in the first place. Dean has me study other fighters, and successful athletes in sports, so that I know what it takes to be successful. He believes that by doing this, I will have an understanding of what is needed to achieve great things, such as a world title.  Dean doesn’t train other women boxers. He wasn’t a fan of women’s boxing until he started training me.

Pattee Mak: What role does your dad, Joe Estrada, currently play in your professional boxing career?

Estrada:  My dad is an integral part of my management group and is involved with any decision making process. He also comes to the gym and offers his input and support on a daily basis. We have a very close relationship and spend a lot of time together.

Pattee Mak: What are your goals for the rest of the year and where do you see yourself in the sport during the next few years?

Estrada: My goal for this year is to get people to know that there is someone in women’s boxing that is trying to make changes for all women in the sport, and do it in a positive way. It’s hard to look forward past this year. I don’t like to think too far ahead. I like setting attainable goals, then keep moving forward.

Pattee Mak: What do you think you can you do to help women’s boxing gain more attention or create more opportunities?

Estrada: I can help the sport by winning over promoters and sponsors, especially those who normally don’t accept women in the sport. I think I have to get out into my local community and create a buzz. I need to get new fans interested in the sport. I want people that I’ve never met to get excited about coming to see me fight. I don’t think about or dream about winning a world title, because I know a world title will eventually come with hard work.

Pattee Mak: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Do you have any messages for your fans?

Estrada: I really appreciate all the kind words I’ve been getting on my social media. The support so far has been great. I will keep working hard to represent all of my supporters the best way I can. Please follow me on Twitter: @SeniesaEstrada and add my Facebook page: Seniesa Estrada. Thanks again for the interview Pattee. Hopefully, we can do another interview again soon!



One Response to “Interview with flyweight pro boxer Seniesa Estrada”

1. Jerry Hoffman says:

   October 13, 2013 at 6:08 PM

   Attitude is solid and honest. Seniesa is going places the right way.