Second Generation Puerto Rican Star Juanmita López De Jesús Signs Promotional Contract with Top Rank
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 26 Sep 2024
Juanmita is the son of former two-division world champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez
NEW YORK CITY (Sept. 25, 2024) — It’s in the bloodline.
Puerto Rican amateur standout Juanmita López De Jesús, a 2024 Olympian, has signed a long-term professional contract with Top Rank and will make his pro debut as a junior bantamweight in early 2025.
The 18-year-old Juanmita is the son of former two-division world champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez, an explosive puncher who fought under the Top Rank banner in the 2000s and early 2010s.
“Juan Manuel Lopez is one of Puerto Rico’s great champions, and it brings me great pleasure to welcome Juanmita to the Top Rank family,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Juanmita is an exceptional talent, someone we feel will excel in the ring and, like his father, bring many championships to the great fighting nation of Puerto Rico.”
Juanmita said, "I thank God and Top Rank for the incredible opportunity to walk this path alongside them, following in my father's footsteps. This marks the beginning of something truly extraordinary. Thank you, Puerto Rico, for your unwavering support. I am thrilled to embark on this journey filled with passion and dedication. I am ready to give it my all to achieve greatness and create my own story."
Juanmita and his father made history as the first Olympic father-son duo in Puerto Rican boxing. A native of Caguas, Juanmita had a decorated amateur run as a teenager, reaching the semifinals of the IBA Youth World Championships in 2022 and winning a Puerto Rican National Championship the following year. Twenty years after his father fought at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Juanmita entered the Paris Games as one of the youngest boxers. He had a difficult draw in the flyweight bracket and fell by decision in his opening match to eventual gold medalist Hasanboy Dusmatov.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Staying active is Magsayo’s priority
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 09 Apr 2026Abu Bakar ready to rumble against Singh on April 11
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 09 Apr 2026Atty. Aldwin Alegre is set to compete in the 23rd Bangkok Chess Club Open 2026 to be held at the Luxurious Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, Thailand from April 11-19, 2026.
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 09 Apr 2026WEIGH IN RESULTS IGLESIAS VS SILYAGIN - TOMORROW NIGHT IN MONTREAL!
Thu, 09 Apr 2026Kristian Prenga Headlines “Crossroads in Brick City” on June 6 in Newark
Thu, 09 Apr 2026Macala, Silva, Lopez to play in 14th Atty. Jong Guevarra Cup
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 09 Apr 2026Former World Champion Miguel Berchelt Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Thu, 09 Apr 2026Sem Japet Enano Stuns Hometown Favorite Tyrell Adams to Claim IBO Oceania Featherweight Title
Thu, 09 Apr 2026IBF lightweight eliminator tops IBA.PRO 17 card in Ufa
Thu, 09 Apr 2026Biasong fights Bustrillo on April 18 in Bukidnon
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 08 Apr 2026Olmillo fights Boquiren on April 18 in RFL
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 08 Apr 2026Overweight Paradero cancels bout
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 08 Apr 2026Biado's World 8-Ball Title Bid Ends
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 08 Apr 2026WBC Champion Lester Martinez will be honored in Guatemala Congress
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 08 Apr 2026Full Card Announced for this Saturday, April 11, Mielnicki Jr. vs. Huerta Event from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV
Wed, 08 Apr 2026