Ragan (9-0, 1 KO), a United States Olympic silver medalist, has signed a managerial deal with Rick Mirigian and will be trained by Brian McIntyre for a return bout planned for this summer.

Ragan has fought as a featherweight but plans to campaign at 122 pounds. The soon-to-be 29-year-old from Cincinnati, Ohio, finally secured some much-needed motion in a career derailed due to unfulfilled expectations.

“You’re going to see a new and improved Duke Ragan with better defense and more sense of urgency, showing combinations and looking for stoppages,” Ragan told The Ring. “I’m never afraid to take risks or get tired, and you will see a new mix of everything in my next fight.”

Ragan signed a promotional deal with Top Rank in 2020 and competed in the postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021, five fights into his pro career.

But after resuming in the pro ranks, Ragan hasn’t leveled up like fellow Olympic teammates and silver medalists Keyshawn Davis and Richard Torrez. In his last fight two-plus years ago, Ragan was dropped but survived to win by eight-round split decision against the little-known Jose Perez.

Top Rank had seen enough of Ragan by then and parted ways with him in March 2024, all while he was dealing with a rotator cuff injury. Ragan and former manager James Prince parted ways in August 2025.

Now it’s Mirigian’s job to help rebuild Ragan’s career and align him with the ideal promoter and opportunities, and McIntyre's job to help polish the skills. Ragan was formerly trained by Kay Koroma.

"Decorated amateurs, Olympic Silver medalists and undefeated fighters in their prime like Duke Ragan don't come around too often, and I don't sign just anyone and never have," Mirigian told The Ring.

"While boxing is an unforgiving sport, it offers second shots at redemption like no other sport. Duke has a powerful story and the talent to break through in a big way. I can't wait to begin this new journey with him and help set him up for success."

Ragan credits his mother for keeping him motivated and helping him knock out depression. Ragan, who has 18 siblings, kept busy while sitting on the sidelines, tending to three children of his own while managing a pair of daycare centers and a non-profit organization that motivates children to read. Ragan is also studying dietary technology at Cincinnati State College to become a nutritionist.

“I’ve been navigating through life and setting up my Plan B, so I can take care of my family,” he said.

“It was frustrating not knowing if I could ever box again when time was being wasted. It messed me up mentally, but my boxing family, my Olympic teammates, they’ve all been checking up on me and supporting. I’ve been at home living through them for the last two years, hoping I can fight on cards with them.”

Ragan said he’s ready to fulfill his promise in honor of his father and coach Derek, who died under questionable circumstances in December 2021 while incarcerated.

“It’s now or never for my boxing career,” Ragan said. “I’m looking forward to reaching my full potential.”

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan