Former U.S. Olympian Jason "Big Six" Estrada has issued an open letter to Chris Arreola via his PR team. I usually don't bother with a lot of this stuff, but this one's pretty fun.
Dear Chris,
Congratulations on your win last weekend against Chazz Whitherspoon. I honestly didn’t agree with the referee’s decision to disqualify Chazz. Hell, I really wasn’t impressed by anything you did.
I think it’s time for us to determine who America’s top heavyweight prospect is. There’s been a lot of hype about you being the “Nightmare,” but you’ve never fought anybody quite like “Big Six.”
Chris, I had an understanding that if Chazz had beaten you, he was going to fight me next. I am going to be world heavyweight champion and I’m willing and able to fight anybody who is in my way, including you, Chris. I’m calling you out, brother. I know you want to be heavyweight champ, too, so try and go through me instead of taking the easy way out.
I’ve been minding my business, fighting anybody my promoter Jimmy Burchfield has put in front of me. None of them have had a losing record and the combined record of my opponents when they fought me is 203-73-9. Nine of your 24 opponents had losing records, 256-180-21 overall. There are a lot of cupcakes and tomato cans on your resume. My opponents had a winning percentage of 71-percent, yours is only 56-percent. Can you spell PROTECTED?
I’ve sat back and watched other so-called prospects like you fighting stiff after stiff. And somehow the media has bought into you being the “Nightmare” because you’ve knocked out so many of these guys. You’re a strong club-fighter, that’s it, at least until you beat somebody like me, a boxer whose skills you’ve never been in against.
I have one loss on my record because I was willing to fight in the other guy’s (Travis Walker) hometown. He had 20 pro fights, I only had six, and I hurt my shoulder early in the fight. Yet, I still almost pulled off a victory.
I’m ready to fight you to prove I’m America’s No. 1 heavyweight hope. Chris, let’s make it happen. All of the top rated heavyweights are tied up for months, anyway. Who’s out there for you other than more ready-made opponents?
Styles make fights and fans always love to watch a puncher like you fight a boxer like me. Supposedly, I can’t punch, so just get into the ring with me and find out what I have -- great whiskers and the fastest hands in our division.
You’re supposed to be the “Nightmare.” Try and scare me; I dare you, Chris.
Sincerely,
Jason “Big Six” Estrada
2004 U.S. Olympian
Future World Heavyweight Champion
Estrada's prospect status is very questionable because his lack of power is just downright troubling. Three knockouts in his 13 career wins? Not many heavies get by on that sort of KO rate.
He can box, though. He's not going to make your eyes pop out in awe, but he's got skills. As for his claim of having the fastest hands in the heavyweight division, I wouldn't go that far. Eddie Chambers is a quick-fisted SOB -- actually, Eddie Chambers is a higher-end version of Estrada, I'd say.
I'm not trying to disrespect Jason, and much of what he said is very true. He was matched fairly aggressively, fighting a 10-rounder in his seventh pro fight, and sweeping the cards. I'm not going to tell you that Robert Hawkins, Charles Shufford and Lance Whitaker are great fighters or that they say a whole lot about Estrada's skill level, but those names would fit right in with Arreola's 24-0 (21) record.
They're both 27 years old. Arreola is three inches taller and definitely stronger. Estrada probably has more fundamental ability. It's an OK matchup to think about.
However...
Oh, however. Chris Arreola just got done fighting on HBO. He's moving his way into title contention, fast. He has no losses. Estrada has a loss. Estrada can't punch. Estrada's fights are not usually aesthetically pleasing to watch.
Estrada's trying to get attention, because he's been lapped by Arreola in the race to find the next American heavyweight star. "Big Six" was barely ever in the race to begin with.
Estrada would be seen by most as a step down for Arreola right now, who is finally getting around to moving forward. Estrada still has some hours to put in.