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Steve KimESPN
Javier Martinez, USA Boxing’s top-rated boxer at 165 pounds, has signed a multiyear contract with Top Rank.
The Milwaukee native will make his professional debut on June 30 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Conference Center.
Martinez, 24, won the 2020 U.S. Olympic trials, but he was only selected as an alternate for the team. When that decision was made, Martinez decided to turn professional.
“I knew it would be hard for me to qualify for the Olympics, so when I found out they chose someone else, it made no sense for me to stay,” Martinez said. “I got this opportunity from Top Rank, so why not? I have a great promotional company and manager behind me.”
“I’ve just been beating everyone in the country the past three, four years, so the time was right to make my next move,” he added.
“With Javier’s amateur credentials, fan-friendly style and Top Rank’s amazing track record at developing amateurs into champions, this is a win-win for everyone,” said Tim VanNewhouse, Martinez’s manager. “I look forward to a big future for Javier, and I’m eager for everyone to see his pro debut on ESPN June 30.”
VanNewhouse scouted Martinez extensively before signing him to a management contract after the Olympic trials back in December.
“When you’re watching the amateurs, when you’re looking at the kids, you want to figure out who’s really trying to hurt somebody from the opening bell,” he said. “Javier’s looking to hurt you.”
Martinez, who is trained by Javier Capetillo, captured his first of five national titles at age 13 and won a USA Elite National Championship in 2018.
VanNewhouse says he will be competing as a middleweight as begins his professional journey.
“I do this for my family. I do it for my kid,” said Martinez, a father to a 7-year-old son. “I want to represent Milwaukee and my parents, who came to this country with nothing and built a life for my brothers and me.”