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Top Rank signs featherweight prospect Albert Gonzalez
Albert Gonzalez after his second-round knockout of Alexis Molina on December 16, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Top Rank has added another prospect to their talented stable of fighters.
Unbeaten featherweight Albert Gonzalez signed a long-term promotional deal with Top Rank, it was announced Monday afternoon.
“Albert Gonzalez is a ferocious, aggressive puncher, someone I feel is going to be a real force at featherweight and beyond for years to come,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “With Robert Garcia and his team guiding him inside the ring, combined with his natural talent, he has all the tools to become a champion.”
Gonzalez (10-0, 6 knockouts), who resides in Moreno Valley, California, was a standout amateur who made his pro debut in November 2021. After a handful of fights, Gonzalez began working with Garcia at his gym in nearby Riverside. Garcia sees a lot of upside in Gonzalez and believes signing with Top Rank was the right fit.
“We’ve known ‘Chop Chop’ since he was a kid,” Garcia told The Ring late Monday night. “He used to come to my gym, just to hang out and be a little troublemaker with his brother, Danny. He has been with me after three pro fights.
“This kid has a great future. Top Rank is great at developing fighters and I think they will get ‘Chop Chop’ to become [a] world champion. [I am] very excited for his future with Top Rank.”
After fighting in club shows across Southern California, Gonzalez earned a spot on last year’s Matchroom Boxing-promoted Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez-Sunny Edwards undercard in Glendale, Arizona, where he knocked out Alexis Molina in the second round. Gonzalez fought on a Top Rank card on July 13 in Las Vegas, stopping once-beaten Conrado Martinez.
In his last bout, which took place on the Luis Lopez-Angelo Leo card in Albuquerque, Gonzalez stopped Damian Alcala in the third round.
The 22-year-old Gonzalez is grateful for the opportunity to sign with Top Rank and hopes to become a factor in the 126-pound division.
“I want to thank God, my team, and everyone who had something to do with getting this done,” said Gonzalez. “Although getting here has been a long road, this is only the beginning. And for those who are new to me, I hope you enjoy the ride. I have a fan-friendly style and always give the fans their money’s worth.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached at [email protected]
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