Golden Boy Promotions Signs Jr Welterweight Prospect Juan Valenzuela
LOS ANGELES, May 12 Golden Boy Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of junior welterweight prospect Juan Pollo Valenzuela to a promotional contract.
Juan is a diamond in the rough, said Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya. Hes beaten world-rated fighters in amazing upsets, but hes never been backed by a promotional company. Thats what were looking to do now back him and put him in position for bigger fights.
Valenzuela, a native of Culiacan, Mexico, sports a record of 16-6 (6 KOs), but the action-packed warrior is best known for his stunning victories over two of boxings most highly touted prospects, 2000 US Olympian Ricardo Williams Jr. and Julio Diaz.
Only 22 years old, but willing to fight anyone, anywhere, at any time, Valenzuela battled Diaz in Lemoore, California on April 26, 2002. It only took one big left hook and a brutal follow-up barrage to stun Diaz and force a referees stoppage in the opening round.
In February of this year, the then-unbeaten Williams, quickly rising up the ranks, was Valenzuelas second big name victim when Pollo won over not only the judges who awarded him a unanimous decision, but the fans at ringside who cheered him on as he pulled off the upset.
As one of the most exciting young fighters to come out of Mexico in recent years, Valenzuela, who returns to action June 17 on ESPN, now has his sights on a world title, something he believes Golden Boy Promotions will help pave the way for.
Im motivated and I feel great that Golden Boy Promotions is going to support me in my career, said Valenzuela. Im going to work real hard to be one of the world champions.
As one of the sports most active promoters, Golden Boy Promotions has over 50 shows scheduled in 2003, with many to be televised on networks such as HBO, Telefutura, and ESPN.
Valenzuela joins WBC super bantamweight champion Oscar Larios, WBC #1 ranked lightweight Juan Lazcano, WBC #2 ranked super bantamweight Israel Vazquez, and WBO #2 ranked super lightweight sensation Kelson Pinto, as well as up and coming prospects such as WBC youth lightweight champ Mighty Mike Anchondo, NABO super flyweight champion Jose Navarro, WBO #10 ranked bantamweight Carlos Madrigal, WBC youth super middleweight champ Enrique Andrade, Librado Andrade, and two-time Argentine Olympian Guillermo Saputo, on the Golden Boy Promotions team of fighters.