Carlos De Leon is motivated, not pressured, by his goal of becoming the “people’s champion of Puerto Rico.”

De Leon will return against Mexico’s Damian Alcala in a six-round junior lightweight bout on Saturday at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, as part of the Matchroom Boxing card topped by Carlos Adames-Austin Williams.

San Juan, Puerto Rico’s De Leon is eager to keep progressing, something that has become his custom. In 2023, he won the youth Pan-Am Games. He went pro the following year and is now 7-0 (6 KOs).

“Staying undefeated is important, but more than that, I want people to see the heart, the pride and the work I put in every time I step in the ring,” De Leon told BoxingScene via a translator. “My goal is to be the people’s champ of Puerto Rico.”

De Leon, 20, knows the boxing-rich culture he comes from that includes greats like Miguel Cotto and Felix Trinidad, and with his amateur background, hopes are high.

“There’s always pressure when you come from Puerto Rico because of the champions who came before us,” De Leon said. “That history is real. But for me, it’s more motivation than pressure. It’s exciting to carry that flag and be part of the next generation.”

Against Alcala, 8-7 (2 KOs), De Leon will be fighting for the second time this year. He stopped veteran journeyman Diuhl Olguin in January. His winning mindset is a consequence of what happens behind closed doors in the gym.

“People always ask about the fights, but not always about what drives me when nobody’s watching,” De Leon said. “What motivates me is my family and where I come from. I’ve seen what hard work can do, and I’ve also seen what happens when opportunities are missed. 

“I don’t take this for granted. Every day I wake up knowing I’m fighting for something bigger than myself, for my future, for my family, and for Puerto Rico. That’s what keeps me locked in.”

Lucas Ketelle is the author of “Inside the Ropes of Boxing,” a guide for young fighters, a writer for BoxingScene and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Find him on X at @BigDogLukie.