DeAngelo Evans had never been on a plane when he traveled to Los Angeles two years ago for a meeting with his now-manager Mark Habibi, the head of Wise Owl Boxing.

A North Carolina native, Evans was a victim of his circumstances during his formative years, growing up in foster care at 5. But he handled adversity like a champion, and a promising wrestling career led him to Averett University in Danville, Virginia.

But Evans had to quit school and take a job to pay the bills once he had a daughter. By 19, he picked up boxing gloves, and by 23, Evans was making his pro debut in 2021 — with no amateur experience.

The power-punching Evans, 27, has since gone on to knockout all but one of his opponents, with his fights averaging less than three rounds.

Evans (14-0, 13 KOs) will headline Habibi's "Butterfly Brawl" charity event presented by Fightbook at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles on Saturday when he takes on Justin Cardona (10-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight matchup.

“It’s a big opportunity for me and a little nerve-racking as well,” Evans told The Ring. “I stay ready so I don’t have to get ready. I’m grateful for it. North Carolina gets slept on a lot in the boxing scene, and I want to put it back on the map. We shouldn’t be slept on because we have a lot of talent here.”

Evans has gotten some world-class sparring to bridge the gap in experience. More recently, he’s worked with Jaron Ennis, Brandon Adams and Egidijus Kavaliauskas. Evans trains with former pro fighter Marcus Luck in Virginia.

Cardona, a 25-year-old from Salinas, California, is a credible counterpart and just the fourth fighter Evans has faced with a winning record. In May, Cardona scored a split decision against Elijah Williams in an eight-rounder during the non-televised portion of the card headlined by Armando Resendiz's upset against Caleb Plant.

“I’m still learning, but I feel like I can make a mark over the next two years,” said Evans. “I’m not ducking any smoke. I’ll be ready when it comes.”