Steve Claggett will fight for the first time since his world title loss in the summer when he faces Eduardo Estela on Thursday, October 17 at the Lac Leamy Casino, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.
Back in June, Claggett put in a solid effort, taking Ring/WBO junior welterweight titleholder Teofimo Lopez the distance in their fight.
Known as “The Dragon,” the 35-year-old Calgary native is determined to bounce back better than ever.
“It’s not over until it’s over. I’m still going strong and hungrier than ever,” Claggett (38-8-2, 26 knockouts) told The Ring. “I can’t wait to show how much more I’ve got and now that I’ve seen the top of the boxing world… I’m more motivated than before.
“I still feel great physically, mentally I’m a new animal and in the ring. I’m going to be the best I’ve ever been. Mark my words!”
His promoter, Camille Estephan of Eye of The Tiger, is hoping Claggett can return for more big nights.
“Steve just put in 12 hard laps with one of the world’s best and pushed the pace for the full 36 minutes,” said Estephan. “We always knew he was a fighter, but now the whole world sees it too.
“With that kind of performance, another big event could be just around the corner. He faces a tough opponent on October 17, but we’re confident a win will put him back in the mix at 140 pounds.
Claggett (38-8-2, 26 knockouts) turned professional in 2008. He is known as a rough, tough competitor capable of upsetting anyone or suffering surprising losses. The 35-year-old played against Konstantin Ponomarev (UD 8), Chris Van Heerden (MD 10) and his compatriot Yves Ulysse Jr. (UD 10) lost. However, he also holds wins over previously undefeated Emanuel Robles (SD 10), Yves Ulysse Jr. (SD 10) and Petros Ananyan (UD 10).
The tough Calgary native has won nine straight fights, including three wins this year over former world champion Alberto Machado (TKO 3) and a pair of dominant decision wins over bouts Carlos Sanchez (UD 10) and Miguel Madueno (UD 10) before losing to Lopez (UD 12) last time.
Estela (16-3, 11 KOs) Estrela turned professional in his native Uruguay in 2016. He won his first 10 fights before hitting the road, losing to future WBA featherweight titleholder Mauricio Lara (TKO 8) in Argentina.
The now 34-year-old bounced back to win his next four, including besting previously unbeaten Ruben Torres (SD 8) on his American debut. He suffered back-to-back losses to Angel Fierro (KO 7) and Justin Pauldo (UD 10), but won his last two fights.
