Unbeaten as a professional, former Cuban amateur great Yoandris “El Nino” Salinas will get the opportunity of a lifetime on Saturday, September 28 when he travels to Manchester, England to face Scott Quigg for the vacant WBA Super Bantamweight World Championship, his first fight under the co-promotional banner of Golden Boy Promotions and Dream Team Promotions.
“We’re excited to have Yoandris as part of the Golden Boy Promotions roster and to be working with Dream Team Promotions in taking him to a world title and then to the biggest fights that can be made for him at 122 pounds,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.
“His amateur record speaks for itself, and he’s been building up an impressive resume as a professional as well, so there’s no question that he’s ready for the best in the world.”
A veteran of over 300 amateur bouts, 27-year-old Yoandris Salinas (20-0-1, 13 KO’s) compiled an amazing record of 301-16 that included four Cuban National championships, a Bronze medal in the Pan Am Games and a Gold medal in the World Cup. In 2009, the Ciego de Avila native moved to Miami, Florida to begin his professional career, and he has since won 20 of his 21 bouts, earning the WBC Latino and WBA Fedebol titles.
Winner of seven straight, Salinas is coming off a 10-round victory over Eliecer Lanzas last October, setting the stage for his September title fight on the undercard of the David Haye vs. Tyson Fury bout at the Manchester Arena (promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Hayemaker Promotions).
Golden Boy Promotions is also pleased to announce an alliance with Dream Team Promotions to co-promote another unbeaten former Cuban amateur star, heavyweight Luis “El Mercedez” Ortiz.
“Luis is a welcome addition to our team, and he’s got the talent and experience to shake up the heavyweight division,” said Schaefer.
“I can’t wait to see what he can do with the top fighters in the division. I know he’s ready for the challenges ahead.”
With an amateur record of 343-19, Camaguey native Luis Ortiz (19-0, 16 KO’s, 1 NC) was a Two-Time National Champion and a gold medal winner in the World Cup. Now living in Miami, Florida, the 34-year-old is making a mark as a professional with wins over Kendrick Releford and Francisco Alvarez, 10 knockouts in three rounds or less and four regional titles. Now he’s looking to tackle the top talent in the heavyweight division.
