Shawn Estrada Signs
Promotions Pact with
Goossen Tutor
October 21, 2008
Los Angeles, CA (October 21, 2008) –
LA-based promoter Dan Goossen – whose accomplishments have included the
signings of the most talented and last two Americans to win Olympic Gold
Medals – has reached a promotional deal with 2008 Olympic middleweight
Shawn Estrada.
Goossen, President of Goossen Tutor Promotions, previously guided the
career of Philadelphia’s David Reid – the Olympic Gold Medal winner in
the 156-lb class in the 1996 games in Atlanta – to a World Light
Middleweight Championship, and currently promotes 2004 Olympic Gold
medalist Andre Ward, a native of Oakland, California who is undefeated
(16-0, 11 KOs) and holds the NABO Super Middleweight title, while very
close to challenging for a World Championship.
Goossen didn’t have to look as far away as Philadelphia or even Oakland
to sign his newest Olympian, as the 23-year old Estrada – managed by
Bravo Boxing Management (Arnulfo Bravo, Don Morandini and Eric Scholnick)
and trained by Rodrigo Mosquera and co-trained by Arnulfo Bravo – hails
from nearby East Los Angeles.
Millions of viewers, who watched the 23-year old Estrada in the recent
Beijing Olympics, witnessed a courageous performance under extremely
adverse circumstances by this heavy-hearted young boxer. It was the
dream of Juan Estrada to see his son, Shawn, compete in the Olympics.
However, failing health prohibited the elder Estrada from traveling to
Beijing. While able to watch his son on television handily defeat his
Argentine opponent in his opening bout – Juan’s condition deteriorated
by the time of Shawn’s second round match with Great Britain’s James
Degale, and he was unable to watch the bout. Shawn lost a decision to
the eventual 165-pound Gold medalist that night, and his adoring father
passed away the next morning.
“We are very excited to be part of a tough and talented local young
fighter of Shawn’s caliber and character,” Goossen stated. “His Olympic
story was a compelling -- and heartbreaking -- one and, to be able to
compose himself to get into the ring in Beijing speaks volumes as to his
heart and dedication. Over the past 12 years we have promoted the two
best American Olympic boxers -- both gold medalists -- and we strongly
believe that Shawn has the desire and ability to achieve the heights of
success afforded elite Gold medalists in the professional ranks.
“I am very excited signing and working with Goossen Tutor,” Estrada
beamed. “My manager Bravo used to fight for the Goossens and was
trained by Joe Goossen. He advised me that Goossen Tutor Promotions can
take me to the top. I can’t wait to make my pro debut and see all my
fans cheering me on."
“From day one with Shawn I knew that he had potential to be an Olympian
and an even better professional boxer,” Bravo offered. “That’s because
he had a pro style and could punch with both hands, which was better
suited for the pros rather than the Olympic scoring system. He is a
boxer-puncher; he possesses the entire package of offense and defense.
He can box with you or knock you out with either hand. And, at 6-1, he
is a big, strong middleweight. He has potential of being a world
champion moved right.
“And we believe that Goossen Tutor can do that for him. They know this
market better than any other promoter and Dan has had a lot of world
champions and has been bringing young fighters to the top for many
years. They are very high on Shawn being one of the top dogs at Goossen
Tutor. I’m impressed at the way they moved David Reid and are moving
Andre Ward now. They know what they are doing.”
“Goossen Tutor is very proud of their track-record in handling the
sensitive balance of developing fighters from the ground up,” Goossen
pointed out. “Even with boxers who came up short of realizing their
Olympic dreams such as Michael Nunn, and Mike Tyson, who were 1984
Olympic alternates, their ascension in the professional ranks were
handled as if they were the elite Gold medalists."
“Knowing the dedication Shawn has in reaching his goal of becoming a
World Champion will make working with him and his management team a
delight so that our combined efforts can support Shawn in realizing his
full potential and dreams.”
A press conference will be held this Wednesday announcing Shawn’s
professional debut.
Photo credit: Jan Sanders/Goossen
Tutor Promotions / Photo description: Shawn Estrada as he signs with
Goossen Tutor Promotions - source: PR
