Golden Boy has announced the signing of undefeated 22-year-old Mexican light heavyweight prospect Yair “Manotas” Gallardo to a co-promotional deal alongside Miguel Cotto Promotions.

The move arrives days before Gallardo takes on Quinton Rankin in an eight-rounder Saturday in Chicago as part of Golden Boy’s event headlined by junior welterweights Oscar Duarte and Kenneth Sims, set to be streamed live on DAZN.

Gallardo (9-0, 8 KOs) has finished each of his opponents inside two rounds, besides a six-round unanimous decision win five fights into his career. Gallardo has primarily been featured on the Puerto Rican boxing circuit, but his last two fights were on Golden Boy shows and dominant performances got the attention of the Oscar De La Hoya-led company.

“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,” De La Hoya said.

“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.”

Gallardo turned pro in October 2022 after an amateur career that featured over 100 bouts.

“I'm very happy and grateful to Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy for having their eye and trust in me,” said Gallardo. “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.”

Hector Soto, president of Miguel Cotto Promotions and H2 Entertainment, declared that Gallardo is Mexico's best prospect.

“At just 22 years old, he has unmatched maturity, technique, discipline, and power,” Soto added. “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.”