Boxing: Feliciano signs pro deal with Golden Boy.
Debut expected in early 2017
Boxer Luis Feliciano of Milwaukee has signed a contract with Golden Boy Promotions and expects to make his professional debut sometime early in 2017.
Feliciano, 23, a graduate of Marquette University and the winner of multiple amateur national titles, hasn’t been in the ring since he competed in the U.S. Olympic trials more than one year ago.
He signed the contract with Oscar de la Hoya’s promotional company on Dec. 21 and will fight at 140 pounds.
“We were negotiating with big promotional companies, but it finally came down to Golden Boy,” Feliciano said. “It took all this time, but it’s definitely worth it. I’m going to get taken care of and they’re going to develop my career the right way. To me, that means more than money right now. Just give me the opportunity to showcase my talent.”
Feliciano said he received a signing bonus and will be paid a monthly stipend in addition to prize money. He is living in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and training nearby in South El Monte under trainer Ben Lira.
His manager is Rafael Heredia, who also manages WBC super featherweight champion Francisco Vargas.
“I did my due diligence as far as managers,” Feliciano said. “I pretty much narrowed it down to three or four and I liked Rafael. He’s a businessman. He knows what’s right. He’s boxing smart as well. He knows the game. I felt very comfortable with him as far as him being loyal and a straight shooter.”
Golden Boy also promotes WBC champions Canelo Alvarez and Vargas, in addition to Joseph Diaz, Lucas Matthysse, Bernard Hopkins and others.
“I’ve been sparring with top prospects and I’ve been learning a lot and adjusting to the professional game,” Feliciano said. “This is my job now. This is what I do to earn a living.”
As an amateur, Feliciano fought out of the United Community Center gym and was the 2015 U.S. elite men’s national champion. He also was a twotime Ringside national champion and won titles in the Police Athletic League (PAL) and Under-19 national tournaments.
He competed in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic trials and represented the United States at the 2015 Pan American Games.
“I’m so happy for him because I know he’s been waiting a while (to turn pro),” said Israel Acosta, the UCC boxing coach. “He’s been looking for the best deal and he did it the best way.”