US Boxer and 2012 London Bronze Medalist Marlen Esparza formally enters the professional ranks on Wednesday, as she signs the multi-year promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions. Moments later, The Golden Boy himself, Oscar De La Hoya, announces the signing at the Bernard Hopkins/Joe Smith Press Conference ahead of their Saturday matchup.
Esparza has already been hinting at her position of turning professional this year. She officially makes her move and starts preparation for a 2017 debut.
ESPN details her amateur career as “around 200 amateur fights and lost about 12”, she has accomplished National Championships numerous times, as well as adding 2014 World Champion, Pan Am Championships, and more. The 2012 Bronze Medal win was the first female medal earned in the sport from the US. That performance bled over to the Boxer of the Month Fan-based honor as she won the public’s vote as theRingside.BIZ Network/#WomenofBoxing September 2012 #BotM Winner.
Esparza is a marketable athlete. The Flyweight athlete has been endorsed by companies like Coca-Cola, CoverGirl, McDonalds and more. Adding the growing fanbase, makes her a promotional entities prime attraction.
So what’s next? Who is De La Hoya going to set her up against? I suspect a matchup with “Lady of Boxing” Ava Knight (14-2-4, 5 KOs) is somewhere down the coming path, maybe in Esparza’s third professional match. There has already been sparring wars and Twitter conflicts between the two. They are two of the most marketable flyweights in the game and justify the proper attention.
“Whoever wants to challenge me, whoever thinks they can do it… I commend you… Let’s see who has it.” stated Esparza.
With Golden Boy’s history of hosting events in Esparza’s home state of Texas, featuring Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, you could expect her in front of her hometown fans soon enough, then on to California and Vegas.
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Photos from Golden Boy Promotions Facebook Page
Jay Kemp, #NextGenChamp
Northwest Chicago Suburb native that has an aptitude for development of sports. Sports is my life, from youth to professional levels. I make things happen! I AM GOLDEN! Sports BIZness specialties include marketable presentation, public relations, sponsorship acquisition and retention, up-to-date marketing strategies, charitable projects and how they translate into positive public image. In addition to boxing, I am a nationally certified coach in the sports of lacrosse, soccer, and wrestling, with ties to many other sports. Telephone: 224-627-3777
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