Olympic Flyweight Bronze Medalist Marlen Esparza of Houston, Texas has signed a multiyear deal with top boxing promoter Golden Boy Promotions, company CEO and Chairman Oscar De La Hoya announced today.
Esparza, who was also won the amateur World Championship in 2012, is the first-ever female boxer to sign with Golden Boy.
“I recently told my fans that I was going pro, and I am happy to announce that it will be the world’s best promotional company – Golden Boy Promotions,” Esparza said. “I am excited to get back into the ring as soon as possible and start climbing the ladder towards winning a professional world title.”
Beyond her incredible success as a boxer, Esparza has already crossed over into mainstream stardom. She has an endorsement deal with CoverGirl cosmetics and has appeared in Spanish-language television ads for Coca-Cola and McDonald’s among others.
“Before she ever steps foot into the ring as a professional, Marlen Esparza has already established herself as a rising star,” De La Hoya said. “At Golden Boy Promotions, we pride ourselves on developing fighters and transforming them into the best of the best. We look forward to doing the same with Marlen.”
Esparza will be introduced to the media at Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins’ final preference conference ahead of his fight with Joe Smith, Jr. on Dec. 17.