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Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez put on an instant classic tonight in Dallas, but as happens in boxing, even the best fights are susceptible to controversy once it’s all over.
Estrada (41-3, 28 KO) won a split decision, but judge Carlos Sucre scoring the fight 117-111 for Estrada was quickly and widely criticized. Gonzalez (50-3, 41 KO) says he wants a third fight, Estrada says he wants a third fight — we might get that third fight at some point, maybe late this year or in early 2022.
Obviously everyone has their thoughts on a fight this good and a score card that bad, so let’s look at what some of the pros and others close to the sport had to say.
Let’s start with the general and highly deserved praise:
Fuck me!!!!
— Kal Yafai (@iam_yafai) March 14, 2021
Chocolatito is now my new favourite fighter. That fight was unbelievable, thought the wrong winner but, what a fight that was to watch.
— Liam Smith (@LiamBeefySmith) March 14, 2021
WOW great Fight not a great decision ♀️
— Amanda Serrano (@Serranosisters) March 14, 2021
What a fight #EstradaChocolatito2
— Jordan Gill (@_JordanGill) March 14, 2021
What a fight! #EstradaChocolatito2 pic.twitter.com/nHmzICOLV5
— Luis Angel Feliciano (@Luis_Feliciano) March 14, 2021
WOW!!!
— Dave Coldwell (@davidcoldwell) March 14, 2021
What have I just watched!!
That was legendary!
Unbelievable fight, I’ve got Chocolatito winning #EstradaChocolatito2
Great fight from both boxers
— Saul Sanchez (@saul80sanchez) March 14, 2021
The reactions to Sucre’s scoring were a lot less kind:
Estrada had momentum that he lost in the last 3-4rds. Chocolatito showed more than I thought he would. Thought Chocolatito edged it. But there were at least 3-4 swing rds that could have gone either way. Can’t argue with 115-113 for Estrada, but the 117-111 was way off.
— Andre S.O.G. Ward (@andreward) March 14, 2021
117-111 Estrada is one of the WORST FUCKING SCORECARDS I'VE EVER SEEN
— caleb truax (@GoldenCalebT) March 14, 2021
Naa I haven’t that. 117-111? GTFOH!!!
— Kal Yafai (@iam_yafai) March 14, 2021
I can’t argue with Gallo Estrada winning the fight because it was razor close but come on man, that 117-111 scorecard is a buzzkill. ♂️ #EstradaChocolatito2
— Luis Angel Feliciano (@Luis_Feliciano) March 14, 2021
117-111 a shocker..115-113 either way. Number 3? #EstradaChocolatito2 @DAZNBoxing
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) March 14, 2021
Can’t see 117-111 for Estrada at all ♂️ I had Choc up 115-113 #EstradaGonzalez2
— Jordan Gill (@_JordanGill) March 14, 2021
Ah man.
— Dave Coldwell (@davidcoldwell) March 14, 2021
Gutted for @chocolatitobox there.
I thought he won that.
Amazing fight, unbelievable & possibly the best I’ve seen.
But what was that 117-111 card?
Two fantastic warriors put something special on there. #EstradaChocolatito2
There is always some clown judge who ruins what was an otherwise brilliant night for boxing. 115-113 for either @GalloEstradaOfi or @chocolatitobox was exactly what we all saw inside the ring. 117-111 is so far from reality but we hope to get the trilogy which will be a classic pic.twitter.com/7dSFj1e0Du
— Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) March 14, 2021