Yadira Bustillos feels underestimated heading into her title fight against Yokasta Valle
Bustillos will face the WBC women’s strawweight titleholder Valle on Friday at the Kaseya Center in Miami. The bout will be a part of the Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua fight card.
Bustillos, 11-1 (2 KOs), is entering the bout on a four-fight winning streak. Bustillos, 25, has spent her training camp in Las Vegas working with trainer Gil Martinez. Bustillos hasn’t had the opportunities of Valle, but she believes that she will surprise many on fight night.
“I do feel like I’m being underestimated,” Bustillos told BoxingScene. “I may not have the same level of experience as my opponent, and I think some people believe this will be an easy fight for her.”
Bustillos’ lone loss came to Sarah Bormann, who is a current titleholder in the division. Bustillos traveled to Germany to face Bormann. Despite losing the fight, she shared how that experience helped her for this upcoming bout.
“I learned how to manage the moment and not let the magnitude of a title fight overwhelm me,” Bustillos said. “Most importantly, it showed me that I belong at that level. That fight taught me the importance of leaving no doubt, especially when you’re competing in an opponent’s home country,” Bustillos shared. “I learned that you have to take control of the fight and do everything possible to secure a decisive victory.”
Valle, 33-3 (10 KOs), is on a three-fight win streak since losing to Seniesa Estrada. In March, Valle moved up to flyweight to defeat 2012 U.S. women’s Olympian Marlen Esparza. Valle, a 33-year-old from San Jose, Costa Rica, recently signed with Most Valuable Promotions and will be making her debut with the company. Recently, Valle’s sister, Naomy, lost on an MVP card in September against Federica Macri. When asked about that she responded:
“No, I didn’t read into that at all,” Bustillos said. “I’m not fighting Naomy – I’m fighting Yakosta. They are two completely different fighters.”
Bustillos explained that despite some skepticism and doubt from observers, a major motivation for the fight is her trainer and winning a title.
“That belief that my coach has in me pushes me to go beyond my limits,” Bustillos said. “And of course, I’m motivated by the opportunity to win that green belt.”
