Top Rank has announced the signing of Perla Bazaldua, a 1-0 (1 KO) junior bantamweight prospect who turned professional in December.

Bazaldua, a 19-year-old from Los Angeles, won her debut against the 0-3 Mollie Backowski via first-round knockout on the undercard of a 360 Promotions card.

For Bazaldua’s second fight, her first under her new promoter’s banner, she will compete in a four-rounder on the May 10 show headlined by Emanuel Navarrete defending his junior lightweight title against Charly Suarez, with Raymond Muratalla vs. Zaur Abdullaev in the co-feature. Bazaldua’s opponent has not yet been announced.

“I’m honored to be part of the Top Rank family, and I can’t wait to get started,” Bazaldua said in a press release. “I want to inspire young women, especially where I come from in South Central Los Angeles. I want to show young women that if you stay disciplined and true to yourself, dreams do come true.”

One of Bazaldua’s co-managers is George Ruiz, who works with another woman signed with Top Rank: Mikaela Mayer, who has won world titles at junior lightweight and welterweight. Manny Robles serves as both Bazaldua’s trainer as well as her other co-manager.

“Perla is special. Only 19, she has ring smarts far beyond her years and a work ethic that signals a world champion in the making,” Ruiz said. "When she decided to turn pro, I was honored that she chose Manny and me to manage her. She’s only the third woman ever signed by Top Rank [after Mayer and retired undisputed strawweight champion Seniesa Estrada], so Bob Arum and Todd duBoef see what Manny and I saw in her. I’m proud to represent her alongside the best women in boxing, Mikaela Mayer and Ginny Fuchs."

Bazaldua first laced up the gloves at nine years old and was trained by her father. Her older brother, Criztec Bazaldua, fights at lightweight and junior welterweight and is currently 6-0 (1 KO). Bazaldua also sparred with Estrada in multiple training camps.

“George and Manny have an excellent eye for talent,” Arum, Top Rank’s longtime head, said, “and I look forward to working with them to develop Perla into a world champion and a superstar in the sport.”

David Greisman, who has covered boxing since 2004, is on Twitter @FightingWords2. David’s book, “Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing,” is available on Amazon.