Superfly 3 Returns to Los Angeles

By Davon McLaughlin

Returning to Los Angeles for the third time a star-studded showcase of the Super Flyweight division will emanate from the “Fabulous” Forum. An arena as synonymous with boxing as red and blue corners. On the night of September 8th boxing fans will be treated to three main event tier fights courtesy of HBO and 360 promotions. In the main event of the aptly named “Superfly 3” card Juan Francisco Estrada, the Mexican star nicknamed “El Gallo (36-3, 25 KO’s) will wage war against fellow Mexican warrior Felipe Orucuta (36-4, 30 KO’s) the winner of the bout by all accounts should be next in line to face current WBC super-flyweight champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai a staple of the Superfly series. Loeffler had hopes of making a rematch between Estrada and Sor Rungvisai, as did fans after their fight of the year contender would end in a majority decision for Sor Rungvisai on the previous entry of Superfly. Instead however the Thai champion opted for a title defense in his native Thailand. Estrada is no stranger to the title picture and hopes to secure a win against the very tough Orucuta to earn a rematch for the WBC 115lb title. “I am very excited to return for a third Superfly event card and look forward to giving fans another thrilling fight”. Stated Estrada “ I need to win so I can get a second shot at the WBC title and a rematch against Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. I am training in the mountains of Mexico City to be ready for the fight on September 8”

Orucuta knows that he is the underdog going in, and is well aware of the high stakes in the forum that night. “Juan Francisco Estrada is a great boxer and one of the best fighters from Mexico. It’s an honor to fight him and I will be well prepared for victory at Superfly 3”.

In the Co main event of the trilogy Donnie Nietes will fight for what he hopes will be a title in his fourth weight division. He fights Filipino Aston Palicte for a vacant WBO Super Flyweight Title. A belt vacated by Japanese mega star Naoya Inoue who is notably absent from the card. Nietes (41-1-4, 23 KO’s) who has not tasted defeat since 2004, has won previous belts at straw-weight, Junior Flyweight, where he made nine defenses and flyweight. He is currently the Philippines most decorated fighter not named Manny Pacquiao and is no stranger to the Superfly showcase. Competing in the previous installment also from the forum, decisively beating Juan Carlos Reveco by TKO in the 7th round.

In the opening bout on the HBO boxing after dark broadcast, McWilliams Arroyo (17-3, 14KO’s) And Japanese superstar, Kazuto Ioka (22-1 13 KOs) will face each other in Ioka’s US debut and first fight back after a brief hiatus. Arroyo appeared on Superfly 2 defeating “El Principe” Carlos Cuadras And is looking for another win in front of the fans at the forum.

The absence of a few notable fighters (namely Chocolatito Gonzalez , Carlos Cuadras And Sor Rungvisai) who helped elevate both the flyweight division and the Superfly series will surely be felt, but their void should be well filled by these six exciting fighters from all over the world. If history is any indication this should make for a standout card featuring some of the toughest fighters in the sport, Putting it all on the line for the fans. “Our First two Superfly cards were among the most well received international boxing events over the last year,” Loeffler said. “Since Our last Superfly card in February, boxing fans and media have continuously asked me when the next card is taking place. The fights that have been presented in the series have provided nonstop action and an unparalleled in arena atmosphere for boxing”. Be sure to follow Supreme boxing for updates and news as the date of the fights inches closer.

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $75, $100 and $150 and are available at Ticketmaster.com and the Forum box office. Doors will open at 4 p.m. PDT, and HBO action will start at 6:45 p.m.