The Mexican light heavyweight Yair “Manotas” Gallardo has signed a co-promotional agreement with Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions.
It was in February when Gallardo, 9-0 (8KOs), most recently fought, when he stopped Carlos Fidel Guiti Miranda of Honduras in under a round in the latest demonstration of his potential. He next fights on Saturday, against Quinton Rankin at the University of Illinois, on the undercard of Oscar Duarte-Kenneth Sims Jnr.
“I’m very happy and grateful to Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy for having their eye and trust in me,” the 22 year old said. “It’s a dream coming true. Since I was a child, I’ve visualized myself with a big boxing company. Thank God, that dream is coming true, and it’s a big step for my career. I’m very grateful to God for this opportunity, and we’ll never let this opportunity go from us.”
“Yair is yet another investment Golden Boy is making in the future of the light-heavyweight division – an exciting young talent who proudly represents his Mexican roots,” said Oscar De La Hoya, the chairman and chief executive of Golden Boy. “He truly lives up to his nickname Manotas, which means ‘heavy hands’, and has been stopping his opponents with knockout power. We believe we may be witnessing the rise of another Mexican superstar this Saturday on our August 2 card.”
“Yair Gallardo is Mexico’s best prospect,” said Hector Soto, the president Miguel Cotto Promotions & H2 Entertainment. “At just 22 years old, he has unmatched maturity, technique, discipline, and power.
“I’ve been watching Yair since he was 11, and we knew he was a special talent. He undoubtedly has all the qualities to become a star in professional boxing and the new face of Mexican boxing.”
