Bantamweight Mario Hernandez signed an exclusive promotional contract with Thompson Boxing Promotions in March 2016.

Hernandez, 26, comes from a brief, yet successful amateur background that saw him net 30 victories against only one loss. He is based in Santa Ana, Calif. and trains out of TKO Boxing Club with manager and trainer Hector Lopez.

“Signing this contract is a surreal moment for me,” Hernandez said. “Thompson Boxing has given me a tremendous opportunity and it’s up to me to make the most of it.”

Hernandez has been boxing in an unofficial manner for most of his life. His father, along with other members of his family, are huge fans of the sport. Hernandez credits their influence in getting him started at an early age.

“My first memory of boxing came when I was four years old,” Hernandez said. “My dad had given me a pair of boxing gloves and I was instantly hooked. As we got older, my cousins and I would box all the time in our backyard. We were just kids having fun.”

These backyard scraps would continue through high school until Hernandez stepped inside the TKO Boxing Club in Santa Ana for formal lessons.

“I might have been 19 when I first started with boxing lessons,” Hernandez said. “I was a fast learner and before I knew it I was beating more experienced boxers in the amateurs. At that point, I knew I could turn professional and make this into a career.”

For inspiration, Hernandez dives into the past and present, citing Mike Tyson and Vasyl Lomachenko as key influencers.

“I was fascinated watching YouTube videos of Mike Tyson,” Hernandez said. “His ferociousness is something that I want to emulate. And Vasyl Lomachenko is so versatile that he can win in a variety of ways.”

“One of the things that we like about Mario is his willingness to attack,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager at Thompson Boxing. “He has other things he needs to work on, but overall we like his potential.”

Hernandez made his professional debut on a Thompson Boxing card on Friday, April 14, 2017. He defeated Manuel Manzo by unanimous decision. Since then, he’s scored two more victories and now sits at 3-0.

Hernandez was born Dec. 15, 1990.

Junior lightweight Michael Dutchover is a top-flight prospect from Midland, Texas who signed with Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions in October 2016.

The Texas native won numerous regional tournaments as an amateur and was a runner up at the 2016 National Golden Gloves competition in the 132-pound division. He enters the professional ranks well prepared having gone 130-17 in the unpaid arena.

“I felt an overwhelming amount of joy when I was signing my contract,” said Dutchover, who is managed and trained by Danny Zamora. “I’ve been doing this since I was eight years old. This is just the beginning. I’m going to work hard to become a world champion. That’s all I want.”

“We are very pleased with the addition of Michael Dutchover,” said Ken Thompson, president at Thompson Boxing. “Michael brings a dynamic fighting style to the ring. It’s going to be exciting watching his career take off.”

Dutchover turend professional on a Thompson Boxing card on Friday, Oct. 21. Dutchover started his career with a third round knockout over Cesar Partida.

He worked off an effective jab that allowed him to land crisp power shots. In the third, he connected on a crushing combination that resulted in the fight’s only knockdown. Partida survived the round, but was not allowed to come out for the fourth and final round.

“Partida was a tough opponent,” said Dutchover after the fight. “He took a lot of quality punches. I was able to drop him in the third and I knew he was hurt. It feels great to start my career with a knockout win.” 

Dutchover has since improved his record to 5-0, 4 KOs. He relocated to Santa Fe Springs, Calif. to take advantage of the Los Angeles area sparring.

“The sparring in Los Angeles is exceptional,” said Dutchover.  “I’ve had an opportunity to mix it up with Petr Petrov and Ruben Villa. I see so many different styles that I think it’s going to speed my development.”

Dutchover was born on Nov. 15, 1997.

Ruben Villa, a heralded amateur from Salinas, Calif. with back-to-back National Golden Gloves Championships on his resume, signed a promotional deal with Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions in July 2016. 

“This is what you dream about as a kid,” said Villa, who has been boxing since age five and amassed a stellar record of 166-17 as an amateur. “It’s a big moment for me and my family. We’ve been waiting for this for a long time. I’m excited to start my professional career in the featherweight division.”

“Whenever you have the chance to sign someone as talented and as gifted as Ruben Villa, you jump at that opportunity,” said Ken Thompson, President of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Villa comes to us from an accomplished amateur background. He has all the traits you look for in a prospect – tremendous skill set, positive attitude, and a love for the sport. He has an outstanding future ahead of him.” 

The 19-year-old Villa, who is a southpaw, began his professional career on Friday, July 29, 2016, on Thompson Boxing’s “Path to Glory” undercard against Gerardo Molina (4-rounds).

The featherweight from Salinas was as good as advertised. In the first, Villa struck early with a counter left hook that put Molina on his heels and onto the canvas. Moments later, Villa rocked Molina with a flurry of punches, knocking him out at the 2:25 mark of the opening round.

“It felt great to get that first win,” Villa said after the fight. “I didn’t go in thinking knockout, but I knew after the first knockdown that I was going to end it early. I had a bunch of friends and family in attendance. I’m glad I gave them something to smile about.”

“Ruben looked fantastic against Molina,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He gave us a glimpse into his immense potential. Ruben has a very bright future ahead of him and we are excited to continue to feature him on our Southern California shows.”

“I think fans will like my style of boxing,” said Villa, who is managed by Danny Zamora. “My boxing influences are a bit of Vasyl Lomachenko and Canelo Alavrez.”

Among Villa’s amateur accomplishments: 2012 & 2013 Olympic Junior National Champion,

2014 & 2015 National Golden Gloves Champion (123 lbs.), 166-17 amateur record, 2015 U.S. Olympic Trials (2^nd place).

Villa remains unbeaten with three wins in 2016 and four in 2017 for a total mark of 7-0, 4 KOs.

Villa was born on April 16, 1997 in Salinas, Calif.

Manuel “La Tormenta” Mendez (13-1-2, 9 KOs), 26, is quickly developing a reputation as one of the more intriguing prospects in the lightweight division.

Mendez, who relocated to Indio, Calif. by way of Oregon to work with acclaimed trainer Joel Diaz, is coming off a first round, one-punch knockout victory over the previously unbeaten Vitor Jones Freitas on Nov. 4, 2016, from the Omega Products Events Center in Corona, Calif.

The fight was televised live on SHOWTIME on their prospect-focused series, ShoBox: The New Generation. Mendez, who was making his national television debut, landed a crushing left hook onto the ribs of Freitas, which immediately downed the Brazilian.

Freitas withered in pain and was counted out with the official stoppage time of 2:32.

“I was surprised he didn’t take that body shot well,” said Mendez after the fight. “I knew I hurt him, but I thought he’d get up. I saw that he wasn’t covering up very well so I knew I was going to land one eventually.”

“I was surprisingly nervous going into this fight. I was somewhat timid to start. I usually come out stronger, but it didn’t matter because we got the result that we wanted. I’m pumped for the knockout win. I know it didn’t last long, but I hope the TV audience enjoyed it.” 

“Manuel is a powerful puncher,” said Joel Diaz, Mendez’s trainer. “He has the ability to wear down opponents with his strength. He’s only going to get better.”

In 2015, Mendez was featured heavily on the monthly shows that Thompson Boxing Promotions puts on in California’s boxing-crazed Inland Empire.

“He was knocking everyone out,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager at Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He was destroying guys. At that point, we knew we had to sign him.”

“Manuel has a fan friendly style,” said Ken Thompson, president and founder of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Fans love watching him come forward and go after knockouts.”

“I’m dedicated to the sport and Alex and Ken understand that,” said Mendez, nicknamed “La Tormenta,” which translates to “The Storm.” “They know every time I step into the ring that I’m going to be ready to win. I think that’s what got their attention. That and I stopped a lot of the opponents they put in front of me.”

One of his most memorable knockout wins came against former Colombian Olympian and previously unbeaten Cesar Villarraga in September 2015. In the closing minute of the third, Mendez landed a straight right that floored Villarraga. Mendez hit Villarraga so hard that he lost his balance and rolled his ankle on his way to the canvas. Later, x-rays would reveal a broken ankle for Villarraga.

Mendez was born on Sept. 23, 1990, in Ontario, Oregon. He currently resides in Indio, Calif. He is trained by Joel Diaz and is managed by Ernesto Torres.

Thompson Boxing Promotions signed heavyweight prospect Scott Alexander (12-2-2, 6 KOs) of Los Angeles to an exclusive promotional contract in February 2016.

“I feel very blessed and excited,” Alexander said. “It’s an incredible opportunity considering what Thompson Boxing has done for the careers of so many boxers. I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”

Standing at six-foot-three, Alexander has excellent size and reach for boxing’s most glamorous division. The 26-year-old picked up gloves at age eighteen and immediately fell in love with the sport.

“I don’t have an amateur background so I’ve had to absorb a lot during training camps,” Alexander said. “My hand speed and vision are probably my two best assets. I’m very versatile. I can outbox and wear down my competition, or end things early with a knockout.”

“We had Alexander on one of our undercards recently,” said Ken Thompson, President of Thompson Boxing. “I still remember his knockout win. He knocked out Dan Biddle in the first round with a sizzling attack. He has excellent talent and the charisma to match.”

Alexander was featured on July 24, 2015 on a Thompson Boxing show. Alexander dropped Biddle early in the first round with a counter left hook. Biddle beat the count, but soon after was back on the canvas courtesy of a vicious attack from Alexander. Biddle was counted out at the 2:37 mark.

“I like to think of myself as a middleweight trapped in a heavyweight’s body” said Alexander. “A lot of heavyweights bail themselves out with their power. I have speed and conditioning that separates me from the rest. I like to outbox them, wear them down. In my fight against Biddle power won out, but don’t sleep on my speed or stamina.”

Alexander was born on April 29, 1989.

Top lightweight prospect Jose “El Gato” Roman (23-1-1, 16 KOs) of Garden Grove, Calif. signed an exclusive promotional contract with Thompson Boxing Promotions in the fall of 2013.

Since then, Roman has won nine straight (five by way of KO) and is inching closer to a much deserved world title shot.

“Roman is a known commodity in the boxing industry,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions.  “He is a knockout artist with boxing skills and he already has a solid following. We expect big things from him in the near future.”

Roman, who is built like a welterweight but fights in the lightweight division, started his professional career blazing hot, scoring eleven knockouts in his first 14 fights.  A technical draw against Javier Garcia and a close split decision loss to Robert Osiobe slowed his momentum, but Roman believes those speed bumps are well behind him.

“Boxers always face adversity and as long you learn from your experiences, you become a better fighter,” Roman said.  “I have a great team in place that will help me get to where I want to go.”

Roman is unlike many lightweights in that he is nearly six feet tall and has very little trouble cutting down to the 135-pound lightweight limit.

“I’ve always had a fast metabolism and an excellent ability for long distance running,” said Roman, who as a freshman in high school was the No. 2 ranked cross country runner in Orange County.  “When I ran cross country in high school I was able to run three miles in 16 minutes.  I ultimately had to give that up to focus more on boxing.”

“There is a lot of talent in Southern California and Roman is probably at the top of that list,” said Alex Camponovo, general manager and matchmaker for Thompson Boxing.  “We are proud he came to us and we will do our best to make this KO artist a star.” “El Gato” is fun to watch, has great stamina, and is preparing to have a busy schedule as we move him toward his main goal – to be a world champion.”

Roman showed why he is considered one of the division’s brightest talents by picking apart the hard-hitting Hector Miguel Zuniga on Nov. 22, 2013 from the Doubletree Ontario.  Roman won a six-round unanimous decision with scores 60-53, 60-53 and 58-55.  

Roman was able to fight on the inside and out with equal ease, and, in the fourth, he connected with a right hook that put Zuniga on his wallet.  Roman displayed superior hand speed, excellent instincts and savvy defense.  His most effective combination, a double-left hook to the head and body, landed flush more often than not.  Roman threw such tight and sharp left hooks that Zuniga rarely saw them coming.  

The following year saw him capture the vacant WBC CABOFE Lightweight Title over Luis Solis of Mexico (May 2014). He would later successfully defend that title against Hector Velazquez in September.

After boxing, Roman plans to re-enroll at California State University, Fullerton to complete his B.S. degree in chemistry. Roman is managed by Bay Area-based attorney Steven Martini.  

Thompson Boxing Promotions signed bantamweight prospect Carlos “Memin” Carlson (21-1, 12 KOs) of Tijuana, Mex. to an exclusive promotional contract in the fall of 2013.  Carlson is widely considered one of Mexico’s brightest talents in the deep bantamweight division.   

Since signing with Thompson Boxing, Carlson has peeled off ten straight victories and is the former WBC Latino Bantamweight Champion. As a result of his superior production, Carlson is ranked at number eleven by the WBC.

“Roberto Sandoval, our top boxing agent in Mexico, turned us on to Carlos Carlson, and once we watched him live, we knew it was only a matter of time before we brought him into the fold,” said Alex Camponovo, general manager and matchmaker for Thompson Boxing.  “At five-foot-seven, Carlos has great size for the division.  He carries power in both hands, which boxing fans love because it makes for entertaining fights.”

“I feel very fortunate to have signed with Thompson Boxing,” said the 26-year-old Carlson.  “I want to reach the top of this game and that is to one day become a world champion.”

Carlson has an aggressive, fan friendly style that resonates with boxing fans.  He has a powerful left hook to the body, quick jab, and endless motor.

“I want to knock the heads off my opponents,” Carlson said.  “I throw a lot of punches, but it’s not the out of control type that you see with a lot of young boxers.  It’s calculated; every punch sets up the next one.  I’m also a student of the game.  I like breaking down film with my trainers.  My philosophy is the more I immerse myself in the sport, the more I’ll learn and the quicker I’ll develop.”

“I’m always in the gym, always working hard,” Carlson continued.  “I never leave for tomorrow what I can do today.  I love to fight.  My job is to knockout my opponents.”  

Already a mini-celebrity in his hometown of Tijuana, Carlson hopes to duplicate that notoriety stateside.  He gave a taste of what’s ahead when he outpointed the tough as nails Javier Gallo through eight rounds to claim the vacant WBC Latino Title on Feb. 28, 2014 from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. He would go on to make two successful defenses; once against Jose Cen Torres, the other versus Pedro Melo.

Carlson holds unanimous decision wins against veterans Giovanni Caro, Miguel Tamayo, and Jose Estrella.

Carlson measures 5’7” and was born on June 11, 1990 in Tijuana, Mexico. He is managed by Roberto Sandoval.  Carlson is married and has a six-year-old daughter.

Danny “The Baby Faced Assassin” Roman (20-2-1, 7 KOs) is the current NABA super bantamweight champion. The 26-year-old from Los Angeles is inching closer to a world title shot after successfully defending his title for the fourth time against veteran Enrique Quevedo on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, from the Omega Products Events Center in Corona, Calif.

With the one-sided win, Roman pushed his winning streak to thirteen and will likely move up the WBA rankings where he sat at number eight entering his fight against Quevedo.

“I know I belong with the best,” said Roman, who first appeared on the WBA rankings at number fifteen in 2015 and has incrementally moved up ever since. “Quevedo couldn’t hit me and he never seemed comfortable.”

Before his fight against Quevedo, Roman knocked out Christian Esquivel in May and Ramiro Robles in February.

In 2015, Roman went a perfect five-for-five, earning wins versus experienced boxers such as: Erik Ruiz, Daniel Noriega, Christopher Martin, Giovanni Caro, and Miguel Tamayo.

“Boxing consumes my life,” said Roman, who is trained and managed by Eddie Gonzalez. “I don’t care much for the nightlife. I’m dedicated to boxing. All the hard work is starting to pay off.”

“We are very pleased with Danny’s progress,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Over the last year, he’s faced an increased level of competition and has performed extremely well against boxers far more experienced than him. Our plan is to continue to place him in tough fights to get him ready for a world title shot in the near future.”

Roman stands 5’5” and was born on May 10, 1990 in Los Angeles.

Jhonatan “Momo” Romero (29-1, 15 KOs) is the former IBF World Super Bantamweight Champion. He took home the hardware to his native Colombia after defeating Alejandro Lopez by split decision on Feb. 12, 2013 in Tijuana, Mex. (the title was vacant at the time).

“There’s nothing that compares to becoming a world champion,” said the 29-year-old. “For that moment in time, you feel as though you’re on top of the world.”

Romero fought his first seventeen fights in Colombia – all wins. During that winning streak, Romero held the Colombian Featherweight Title and the WBO Latino 122-pound Title.

In June 2014, Romero fought for the first time in the U.S. He out boxed the veteran Cecilio Santos on a Thompson Boxing show that took place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. For those that have not seen him fight in person, Romero is a skillful tactician with excellent length for the division.  He is equally powerful with either hand and throws every punch with remarkable efficiency.

Romero would fight four more times before meeting Lopez in his first world title affair. After winning the world title, Romero faced Kiko Martinez in his initial title defense. Romero was beaten to the punch by the Spaniard and subsequently lost his championship.

“It was the low point in my career,” Romero said. “I have to get it back.”

Since that lone blemish on an otherwise excellent career, Romero has marched to six straight wins, reviving his world title aspirations.

Romero stands 5’9” and was born on Dec. 14, 1986 in Cali, Colombia. His pro debut was a knockout win over John Merino on May 15, 2009.

Erick “All American Boy” Ituarte (14-1-1, 2 KOs) is an up-and-coming super featherweight. The 21-year-old was born in Mexico, but grew up in Santa Ana, Calif., a suburb of Orange County.

Ituarte signed with Thompson Boxing Promotions in October 2013.

In his most recent fight, Ituarte peeled himself off the canvas twice to rally and defeat Daniel Ramirez by unanimous decision on Friday, June 24, 2016 from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

The thrilling fight saw three knockdowns and relentless back and forth action. Ramirez got things started in the first round – landing a left hook upstairs that put Ituarte on his wallet.

Ituarte shook it off and followed up with a right cross in the third that sent Ramirez flying to the ground. The action continued in the fifth, with Ramirez landing a counter left hook. Iturate never saw it and suffered a second knockdown. Most boxers would be out of the fight at this point, but Ituarte found an extra gear and crushed the final three rounds to force the judges’ hands. Ituarte won via unanimous decision with scores: 75-74, 76-73, 77-73.

“It was an incredible fight,” said Ituarte afterward. “In this sport, you never give up.”

Ituarte measures 5’7” and was born Nov. 12, 1994 in the state of Durango in Mexico. He turned professional on Sept. 9, 2011. He defeated German Rivera by unanimous decision.

Top lightweight prospect Jose “El Gato” Roman (23-1-1, 16 KOs) of Garden Grove, Calif. signed an exclusive promotional contract with Thompson Boxing Promotions in the fall of 2013.

Since then, Roman has won nine straight (five by way of KO) and is inching closer to a much deserved world title shot.

“Roman is a known commodity in the boxing industry,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions.  “He is a knockout artist with boxing skills and he already has a solid following. We expect big things from him in the near future.”

Roman, who is built like a welterweight but fights in the lightweight division, started his professional career blazing hot, scoring eleven knockouts in his first 14 fights.  A technical draw against Javier Garcia and a close split decision loss to Robert Osiobe slowed his momentum, but Roman believes those speed bumps are well behind him.

“Boxers always face adversity and as long you learn from your experiences, you become a better fighter,” Roman said.  “I have a great team in place that will help me get to where I want to go.”

Roman is unlike many lightweights in that he is nearly six feet tall and has very little trouble cutting down to the 135-pound lightweight limit.

“I’ve always had a fast metabolism and an excellent ability for long distance running,” said Roman, who as a freshman in high school was the No. 2 ranked cross country runner in Orange County.  “When I ran cross country in high school I was able to run three miles in 16 minutes.  I ultimately had to give that up to focus more on boxing.”

“There is a lot of talent in Southern California and Roman is probably at the top of that list,” said Alex Camponovo, general manager and matchmaker for Thompson Boxing.  “We are proud he came to us and we will do our best to make this KO artist a star.” “El Gato” is fun to watch, has great stamina, and is preparing to have a busy schedule as we move him toward his main goal – to be a world champion.”

Roman showed why he is considered one of the division’s brightest talents by picking apart the hard-hitting Hector Miguel Zuniga on Nov. 22, 2013 from the Doubletree Ontario.  Roman won a six-round unanimous decision with scores 60-53, 60-53 and 58-55.  

Roman was able to fight on the inside and out with equal ease, and, in the fourth, he connected with a right hook that put Zuniga on his wallet.  Roman displayed superior hand speed, excellent instincts and savvy defense.  His most effective combination, a double-left hook to the head and body, landed flush more often than not.  Roman threw such tight and sharp left hooks that Zuniga rarely saw them coming.  

The following year saw him capture the vacant WBC CABOFE Lightweight Title over Luis Solis of Mexico (May 2014). He would later successfully defend that title against Hector Velazquez in September.

After boxing, Roman plans to re-enroll at California State University, Fullerton to complete his B.S. degree in chemistry. Roman is managed by Bay Area-based attorney Steven Martini.  

Darleys Perez  (33-2-1, 21 KOs) is the former WBA World Lightweight Champion. The Colombian native defeated the previously unbeaten Argenis Lopez for the interim title in June 2014

Perez, now 33, would successfully defend his interim world championship twice before meeting England’s Anthony Crolla in Manchester on July 18, 2015.

Perez was able to retain his world title by way of a majority draw against Crolla.

Perez, who was fighting in Crolla’s hometown, had one judge score the fight in his favor (114-113), while another had it for Crolla (116-111). The third judge had it even at 113-113.  

Perez, however, was deducted one point on two separate occasions for low blows. If not for the deductions, Perez would have won a majority decision.

“It’s unfortunate that the fight ended in a draw, but sometimes that happens in boxing,” said Perez, who is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions. “I’m going to regroup from this and come back stronger and more determined.”

“We believe Darleys Perez put on an outstanding performance,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He connected with his jab frequently and had his left hook working all night. The draw isn’t a fantastic result, but he keeps the world championship.”  

The pair would meet four months later at the very same venue (Manchester Arena) and this time, Crolla raised his hands as a world champion, knocking out Perez in the sixth round with a body shot.

Perez avenged his world championship defeat in May 2016 by knocking out Ubadel Soto in Colombia.

Perez has overcome significant odds to reach the pinnacle of the sport. He grew up without shoes, rejected a life of danger and violence with Colombia’s deadly paramilitaries, and overcame the deaths of his manager and brother, all while inspiring the next generation of Colombian boxers.

Perez stands 5’7” and was born on Sept. 14, 1983 in San Pedro de Uraba, Colombia.

Giovani “Gallo de Oro” Santillan (19-0, 10 KOs) might just be the next star in the junior welterweight division. The undefeated southpaw from San Diego has a refined skill set that can one day take him to the highest levels of the sport.  He possesses a sturdy jab, principled defense, and superior technical ability.

In four years as a professional, Santillan has never been knocked down, he’s won the NABF Junior Title, and he’s sparred with all time greats such as Floyd Mayweather and Tim Bradley.

After winning his first thirteen fights, Santillan stepped up and claimed his first championship – the NABF Junior Title. Santillan defeated Osenohan Vazquez by fifth round knockout from the Harley Davidson Showroom in San Diego on Aug. 16, 2014.

“It was my first pro fight in my hometown, first time headlining an event, and first title fight,” said Santillan after the knockout win.  “I knew I had to put on a great show because anything less would have been a disappointment.”

Two months later, he would go on to successfully defend his title against the hard-hitting Luis Solis of Mexico.  Santillan headed into 2015 with newfound confidence, notching three wins, two by way of knockout.  

Santillan began his professional career in 2012. That year he would go on to win six times. The following year he added five wins to his resume.

Santillan is 24-years-old,  stands at 5’8” and his nickname is “Gallo de Oro.”  He was born on Dec. 4, 1991 in San Diego Calif.

Aron Martinez (20-5-1, 4 KOs) has been fighting in the welterweight division since he turned professional in September 2004. Martinez, 34, won the vacant California State Welterweight title in 2007 by outpointing Walter Diaz through eight rounds.

After ten professional fights, Martinez sat at 8-1-1, 3 KOs. His lone loss, at the time, came against Abdon Lozano in late 2008. After that minor setback, Martinez rallied off ten consecutive victories within a three-year period. During that winning streak, he handed young prospect Joseph Elegele his first loss in July 2011. He also faced experienced fighters like Pavel Miranda, Prenice Brewer, and Dashon Johnson.

Martinez’ first marquee fight came against the undefeated Jessie Vargas in September 2012. Martinez, coming in a with a ten fight win streak, performed well in the ten round fight, but ultimately suffered a unanimous decision loss. He avenged that defeat seven months later with a majority decision win against Alberto Herrera, a tough as nails boxer-puncher that always comes ready to fight. Martinez had faced Herrera before in 2011, winning by split decision.

The next fight for the Los Angeles-based Martinez came against the wildly popular and exciting Josesito Lopez. The fight, televised on Fox Sports, was scheduled for ten rounds, but it only lasted five. Lopez scored a fifth round technical knockout.

Martinez landed quality shots of his own, but failed to gather enough momentum to alter the course of the fight. In the deciding fifth, Lopez punched Martinez into a neutral corner and landed a left hook to the jaw, prompting the referee to step in and put an end to it at the 1:19 mark.

The road to the top is often a difficult one, and for Martinez, each fight appears more arduous than the last with seemingly more at stake. After the Lopez fight, Martinez produced what seemed to be an upset victory over former three-division world champion Robert Guerrero, only to be denied in a controversial split decision ruling by the judges.

Most ringside observers believed Martinez had done enough to garner the win, especially since he dropped Guerrero in the fourth with a crushing right hook. The fight took place in June 2015 from the Stub Hub Center in Los Angeles and was televised on NBC.

Vindication would soon follow Martinez. In October, Martinez shook the welterweight division with his dismantling of former two-division world champion Devon Alexander. Martinez’s hard-nosed, fight anyone, anywhere attitude catapulted him to elite world champion contender status.

Martinez, a 50-to-1 underdog, put the boxing community on notice with his unanimous decision destruction of the Saint Louis-based Alexander. The fight, televised on ESPN, was a rock ‘em, sock ‘em affair that featured Martinez taking the action straight to Alexander.

“I knew I had him right where I wanted,” said Martinez after the fight. “I could tell my punches were wearing him down. By the tenth and final round, he was done.”
Martinez’ next fight was against heralded southpaw Sammy Vasquez (20-0, 14 KOs) on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, from STAPLES CENTER in Los Angeles. The 10-round bout was televised in primetime on FOX. During the fight, Martinez suffered a left arm injury and would lose by technical decision in the sixth round.

Martinez was born in Mexico, but resides in Los Angeles. He is promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions. He stands 5’9” with a 69” reach, and his date of birth is Nov. 3, 1981.

Taras Shelestyuk (14-0, 9 KOs) is an undefeated welterweight prospect from Los Angeles by way of Ukraine.

Shelestyuk turned professional in 2013, shortly after he captured a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Prior to the Olympics, Shelestyuk won gold at the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships.

The steely southpaw boasts incredible technique and sound fundamentals. His signature win came against Aslanbek Kozaev on Nov. 6, 2015 from the D Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.

The pair fought for the vacant WBA Inter Continental Welterweight Title and the vacant NABO Welterweight Championship. Shelestyuk would take home both belts via unanimous decision.

Shelestyuk was born on Nov. 30, 1985 in Makeyevka, Ukraine.  He is promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions.

Heavyweight prospect LaRon Mitchell (14-0, 13 KOs) signed a promotional contract with Southern California-based Thompson Boxing Promotions in May 2014.

The San Francisco-based Mitchell advanced to the finals of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials and earned a silver medal at the U.S. National Championships that same year.

The former college football tight end turned professional in March 2013 and won his first thirteen fights by knockout.

In June 2016, Mitchell faced rugged veteran Epifanio Mendoza from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.  

Mendoza (42-23-1, 36 KOs), by far, was the most experienced opponent Mitchell had encountered in his young career. The Colombian native’s approach was to fight in close quarters, thus eliminating Mitchell’s height and reach advantage. In the third, Mitchell strung a couple of combinations together and connected with a left hook to the body. Mendoza crumbled to the floor and was counted out at the :52 mark.  

At the time, the stoppage win extended Mitchell’s consecutive KO win tally to thirteen.

“It’s not something that I think about,” said Mitchell, who is a southpaw and is trained by Jimmy Ford. “I just try to get better with each and every training camp and each fight.”

“We like his power, we like his determination to get better,” said Ken Thompson, president and founder of Thompson Boxing.  “We plan on keeping him busy and we’ll monitor his progress carefully.”

In August 2016, Mitchell faced the savvy Mario Heredia of Mexico. Mitchell wore down Heredia with body shots and closed nearly every round with a flurry of punches. He came close to knocking him out, but had to settle for a unanimous decision win (the first fight in his career that went the distance, 77-74 twice, 76-75).  

“I knew it was going to be a tough fight,” Mitchell said. “I was able to continuously apply pressure to get the win.”

Mitchell is a graduate of San Francisco State University and trains out of the Ring of Fire Gym in Northern California. He stands 6’4” and was born on May 21, 1980 in Los Banos, Calif.

He splits his time between boxing and as a physical education teacher at St. Elizabeth’s Elementary in Oakland, Calif.  He is managed by Andy Nance.