Stockton boxer Flores, 16, has Arum impressed

STOCKTON — Gabriel Flores Jr. understands that becoming the youngest fighter to sign a contract with the country’s largest boxing promotion company is a big deal.

But he sees it more as an opportunity than an accomplishment.

The 16-year-old Stockton native made history recently when he signed a six-year deal with Top Rank Inc. after a successful amateur career. Because of his age, Flores cannot fight professionally until he turns 17 in May, however, Top Rank wants to lock up his services now.

Since the signing earlier this month in Las Vegas, Flores has received a tremendous amount of media attention, including a story on ESPN.com and several boxing websites. He’s also fielded plenty of congratulations at Chavez High, where he’s a junior.

But he is determined to stay focused on his goals.

“My friends at school are just shocked. In their eyes, I’ve made it,” Flores said. “But not in my eyes. I haven’t done half of what I want to do. I’m very happy that I got signed at such a young age, but I have so much more I want to accomplish.”

The contract was negotiated by his manager, trainer and father, Gabriel Flores Sr., who said serious talks began about four months ago.

“I’m really proud and I’m really happy,” said Flores Sr., who also trains Top Rank fighter and WBC Continental Americas Super-featherweight Champion Andy Vences of San Jose.

“It really hit me a day after his press conference in Vegas.”

Flores Sr. said buzz had been circulating about his son signing with a promotion for about 18 months. Mayweather Promotions also expressed interest. But Flores Sr. said Top Rank was always the top choice.

Top Rank was founded in 1973 by Bob Arum and has handled worldclass fighters, such as Muhammad Ali, Oscar De La Hoya, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Marvin Hagler, Manny Pacquiao, Sugar Ray Leonard, among many others.

Flores Jr. already has a sterling resume. He has a 91-7 record as an amateur and was a member of the U.S. Junior National team in 2015 and 2016. He won this year’s title at 138 pounds and at one point this year, he had won three tournaments in a row.

“He’s a tremendous prospect, ranked No. 1 in his weight division in the amateur ranks,” Arum said in a released statement. “He has great natural skills and ability. Our matchmakers believe that will make him a star.”

Even with his son’s considerable skills, Flores Sr. said he wouldn’t have allowed Gabe to sign if he didn’t have the maturity to handle the responsibility.

“That was huge,” Flores Sr. said. “I know a lot of kids who at 18 or 19 aren’t mature, wouldn’t be ready.

But Gabriel takes the sport very seriously.”

Much that has been written about Flores Jr. recently addresses a sad moment in his life. When he was 13, his mother, Juanita Maldonado, was shot and killed at the age of 35 while attending a child’s birthday party in Stockton. No arrests have been made.

“It’s always tough to think about my mother not being here, and I know it will come up,” Flores Jr. said. “I’ve learned to think about it in a positive way over the years. I’m grateful for the memories I have with her.”

Flores Sr. hopes to set up a match in May, but it will be an unusually long layoff for the fighter, who first got into the ring at age 7. He’ll stay in the gym and stay in shape, and spar at least once a week.

“We’ll keep him ready,” Flores Sr. said. “He’s committed to being the best he can be.”