Seniesa Estrada decided ending her career at the top is not a “super bad” idea at all.
The undisputed strawweight champion announced Wednesday that she is hanging up her gloves after 13 years as a pro, just seven months after unifying all four major belts in a unanimous decision win over Yokasta Valle. The 32-year-old from East Los Angeles, California says in an Instagram post that she is ready for life after boxing after dedicating 23 years to the sport.
“Only God knows how long I considered this decision. Physically and mentally I can no longer continue,” says Estrada (26-0, 9 knockouts), who as the no. 4 rated boxer pound for pound according to The Ring, while also holding The Ring Championship at 105 pounds.
“We did everything we thought I would do and more as a woman in a sport dominated by men. It was one wild ride. Thank you for standing by me. I hope that my style of fighting is one that people will remember forever.”
Estrada’s accolades include winning the 2009 USA National Championships, plus USA Junior Olympic National Championships in 2007 and 2008 as an amateur, as well as world titles in two divisions. After defeating Anabel Ortiz by unanimous decision to win the WBA strawweight title in 2021, she moved up in weight to defeat Tenkai Tsunami by unanimous decision to win the WBO junior flyweight title. Estrada dropped back down in weight and began unifying the belts at 105 pounds, starting with a March 2023 shutout of Tina Rupprecht before her last match with Valle earlier this year, making her the first woman to go uncontested in that division have.
“Seniesa Estrada is a spectacular person and fighter, and I know she can look forward to a happy and productive life outside the ring,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum, who has promoted Estrada since July 2022. “Everyone in the top rankings will miss promoting her boxing career.”
The news of Estrada’s retirement led to an outpouring of praise and respect from the boxing community. Claressa Shields was among those who commented on her Instagram post, writing “So unexpected but so deserving! Wishing you nothing but the best Super Bad.”
WBC featherweight titleholder Skye Nicolson wrote: “It’s been a pleasure watching your journey! Undefeated, undisputed Superbad. All the best where life takes you next champion.”
