This morning at a packed weekly World Boxing Council press conference in the Food Market, Mexico City the new WBC super flyweight champion, Juan Francisco Estrada, was presented with the belt he so brilliantly won on April 26, overwhelmingly and convincingly defeating rugged Thai Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, with literally everything he had… and then some!

As tough as they come, intrepid Francisco shed a few tears, as his team described and praised his iron determination plus  unflinching courage, to transform defeat into magnificent victory in the rematch. With his healing left hand and  wrist in a protector of black material,  wearing a green and black WBC cap showing his affiliation and loyalty,  Juan received the zenith  accolade from the hands of the President of the WBC, Mauricio Sulaiman…the belt with which he had always dreamed, in all its  Green and Gold glory and splendor.  There was scarcely a dry eye in the audience!

With the belt firmly, yet tenderly in his grasp, the new Champion with  a choked voice due to deep welling emotion,  paused to compose himself, amidst wave after wave of applause, stating  that having the WBC belt is his literal everything,  because since he started boxing, his main goal and singular ambition  has been to hold it aloft.

“It was a complicated fight, as the Thai was a constantly  dangerous rival who  knows how to hit, and hard.  However, this time I was able to prepare one hundred percent and from the first moment I was sure that I would win.

“I want to thank in a very special way all my team, my family and of course my fans, because without their support none of this would have been possible. Also many thanks to the World Boxing Council for giving me the opportunity and for this absolutely wonderful reception. It`s something I will always hold dear in my heart.”

Accompanied by Juan Carlos Torres, Executive  of Zanfer, his Manager Juan Hernández and Rafa Soto of public relations, Francisco announced that the first defense of his crown could take place in August.

Torres said: “This moment happened because of all the work Juan has achieved. Juan said he must have the rematch and we worked to secure it.  Juan is a man of few words, but powerful. We are so proud he`s realized his dream.”

Hernandez added: “Juan`s team is one hundred percent Mexican and we are so very happy.  Juan`s story is tremendous. From day one he started with a vision and he`s overcome so much.”

Fittingly and aptly for the significance of this occasion, a lineup of all time Mexican greats were on hand, there and then to greet a new star to their exulted ranks.  Namely:  Carlos Zarate,  Lupe Pintor, Isaac Bustos, Pipino Cuevas, José Luis Bueno, Víctor Rabanales, Ruben Olivares, as well as world champion Lupita Martínez and former international champion, Irma Garcia.

It was a fantastic moment… to truly savor!