Estrada to fight at Nokia Theatre

LOS ANGELES -- Shawn Estrada, the 2008 Olympic boxer who credits Downey and, more specifically, the 10/20 Club with helping steer his troubled life in a positive direction, will fight on the undercard of a March 27 event at L.A. Live's Nokia Theatre.Headlining the card will be former WBC heavyweight champion Samuel Peter and No. 3 ranked Eddie Chambers, who will fight in a non-title bout. ESPN will televise the event beginning at 7 p.m. Estrada competed in last summer's Beijing Olympics. He turned pro upon his return, and is undefeated in two fights, having knocked out both opponents in the first rounds. "So much has changed in the past few years, but it's all inspirational to me," said Estrada, whose father died from heart and kidney failure while he competed in Beijing. "My life continues to flourish through my 2-year-old daughter, Alyssa, and now my professional career. I'm looking forward to making 2009 memorable for my family, my fans and me." Estrada recently signed with Sherman Oaks-based Goossen Tutor Promotions. The March 27 fight will be Estrada's first with the promoter. "Having to endure what he did in China, his dad unable to travel with him and ultimately succumbing almost simultaneously as his son was eliminated from the Olympics inspires Shawn daily, knowing how his dad battled every second of every day to be there for him," said promoter Dan Goossen. "These are significant challenges that most people do not have to encounter for many, many years later in life. Shawn lived it, mourned it and now is inspired by it." Estrada, 23, grew up in East Los Angeles and began boxing at 12. After flirting with a gang lifestyle, Estrada's father sent him to live with an aunt in Downey. He enrolled at Warren High School, and received help from the 10-20 Club, an off-shoot program of Gangs Out of Downey. Estrada credits the 10-20 Club and Gangs Out of Downey with helping him turn his life around. When he made the Olympic boxing roster, he listed Downey as his hometown. The Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live opened in 2007. The March 27 card will be the center's first boxing event. ********** Published: February 27, 2009 - Volume 7 - Issue 45