Juan Francisco Estrada Drops Karim Arce Three Times
“El Gallo” Returns with Authority in Bantamweight Debut
On June 14, 2025, at the Centro de Usos Múltiples in Hermosillo, Mexico, Juan Francisco “El Gallo” Estrada made a thunderous return to the ring, defeating Karim Arce Lugo via unanimous decision in a ten-round bantamweight bout. The judges scored the contest 100-87, 99-88, and 98-89, all in favor of Estrada, who dropped Arce three times and showcased his trademark body attack in front of a roaring hometown crowd.
Round-by-Round Breakdown
Estrada, fighting for the first time since his knockout loss to Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez in June 2024, took a round to shake off the rust. But by Round 2, he was back in vintage form, hurting Arce to the body and scoring a knockdown with a vicious left hook to the liver.
Arce, the nephew of Mexican legend Jorge “Travieso” Arce, showed heart and grit, but was repeatedly overwhelmed by Estrada’s pressure and precision. In the final round, Estrada dropped Arce twice more, sealing the win and silencing any doubts about his move up to 118 pounds.
A New Chapter at 118 Pounds
Now campaigning at bantamweight, Estrada (45-4, 28 KOs) looked sharp, strong, and rejuvenated. His footwork, timing, and body punching were on full display, and the performance suggests he’s ready to challenge the division’s elite.
Arce (21-3-2, 8 KOs) suffered his third career loss but gained respect for his toughness and willingness to trade with one of Mexico’s most decorated champions.
Final Thoughts
Juan Francisco Estrada didn’t just win—he reclaimed his place among boxing’s pound-for-pound elite. With a dominant performance in his bantamweight debut, “El Gallo” has officially opened a new chapter in his storied career.
What the Result Means
The scorecards show how decisively Estrada controlled the ten-round contest: 100-87, 99-88 and 98-89. BoxingScene reported three knockdowns of Arce, an important detail behind the wide margins. Estrada’s return came in his hometown of Hermosillo, where he had an opportunity to compete again after the stoppage loss to Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez in June 2024. A comeback bout can restore activity and confidence, but it does not erase the competitive questions raised by a prior defeat or automatically put a boxer next in line for a title. This was a clear points win over Karim Arce Lugo, achieved over ten rounds and with repeated knockdowns, rather than a championship bout. The reporting should therefore center on the confirmed result, the scorecards and the setting. For readers tracking the super-flyweight veteran, the performance showed that Estrada remained active and effective; his eventual division and opponent depend on the next confirmed booking.
Sources
Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
