Interview

October 17, 2003
Interview with Jason Estrada

"I will bring a positive image inside and outside the ring"

by Julius Stecker
    At 22 (turns 23 in November) and the reigning 2003 Pan-Am Games and U.S. Nationals champion, Jason Estrda is looking to make the Olympic team next Febuary. "Making the Olympic team is within reach and winning a medal would be something special for somebody like myself," said Estrada. With an impressive 257-14 amateur record at super heavyweight and with wins over current pros Malik Scott, DaVarryl Williamson and Malcolm Tann, Estrada has the necessary background to not only make the USA team, but bring home a medal. In this summer's Pan-Am games, Estrada easily out-pointed the former #1 ranked super heavyweight in the world in Cuba's 275-pound Michael Lopez Nunez, 14-6, in the championship final. TalkingBoxing's Julius Stecker caught up with Estrada for an interview.

Interview with Jason Estrada

Julius Stecker: How is everything going right now?

Jason Estrada: Alright training is going good, just trying to stay in shape.

Julius Stecker: When is your next tournament and/or dual meet?

Jason Estrada: My next dual meet is against France on November 1st, in Reno, Nevada. Then after that there will be one on Nov. 22 against Russia in Tunica, Mississippi.

Julius Stecker: When are the Olympic trials, and do you see yourself making the Olympic team and possibly medaling?

Jason Estrada: The Trials are this coming February in Tunica, Mississippi....Making the Olympic team is within reach, and winning a medal would be something special for somebody like myself, being for Rhode Island in all.

Julius Stecker: When do you think you will be turning pro?

Jason Estrada: Right after the Olympics, I am getting older so I don't want to stay in the amateurs too long.

Julius Stecker: What is the biggest adjustment you feel you will have to make when you turn professional?

Jason Estrada: The only real big adjustment I will have to make is to get in shape for 12 rounds...I also think that it will only make me better, one reason being I won't have head gear any more and it will help with my vision inside of the ring.

Julius Stecker: Who are your favorite fighters to watch and who do you look up to?

Jason Estrada: Roy Jones Jr. He is my favorite fighter, I have been following him since way back, before his fight with Toney. I remember when they were talking about a fight with him and Gerald McClellan. I used to like Holyfield but he needs to retire now. He's got enough money and he does not need to be fighting anymore.

Julius Stecker: What can the boxing world expect from Jason Estrada over the next few years?

Jason Estrada: The boxing world is going to see something new. I will bring a positive image inside and outside the ring. I will not be cocky and I will be the kind of fighter who will go into the crowd after a fight to talk to the fans. I plan on doing things right.

TalkingBoxing would like to thank Jason Estrada for taking some time out of his busy day to talk with us. We wish him the best of luck in the Olympic Trials!