Trifon Petrov and Split-T Management announced the signing of Cristian Javier Pinales to a long term management agreement. Pinales of La Romana, Dominican Republic, was a 2024 Olympic bronze medal winner in the middleweight division. He plans on making his pro debut at the start of 2025 under the guidance of Petrov and Split-T Management. "I am very happy to have signed with David McWater (CEO of Split-T Management) and Trifon Petrov. They represent many world champions, high level contenders and have great relationships in the sport of boxing. Working with them both will be a huge boost for my career," said Pinales
“Cristian is a special talent and has all the necessary skills to become one of boxing greats. He has a very bright future. I am excited that he trusts David and I to guide his career moving forward. It’s a pleasure and honor to have Cristian Pinales as part of the team," said Trifon Petrov.
"I am very excited to be working with Pinales. I believe him to be one of the best prospects to come out of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Pinales has assembled a great team to guide and support his career with Chelo, Indio, Trifon and I. Very happy to be a member of Team Pinales," said David McWater of Split-T Management
Like his two older brothers, Pinales was an avid basketball player growing up in the Dominican Republic, but his attention shifted to boxing which eventually led him to the Silverio De Aza Boxing Club. Cristian’s many natural gifts combined with a superior work ethic quickly placed him on the world stage as an amateur culminating with a the Olympic medal. Pinales said, "I was filled with pride representing my country at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Winning the medal for the Dominican Republic was the best thing that’s ever happened to me."
"There was a huge welcome once I made it back home. It was absolute madness. Thousands of people were waiting at the airport to congratulate me. For the month to follow I had daily media responsibilities all over the country, including meeting the President of the Dominican Republic, which was a huge honor for me. The Olympics were a huge culmination to my amateur career. Fighting in front of tens or thousands of people in Paris and defeating some of the best boxers in the history of the sport like two-times Olympic Gold medalist Arlen Lopez showed the world I belong with the best. I am ready to make the transition to the professional ranks and keep making my country proud"
When at home in the Dominican Republic, Pinales still trains at The Silverio De Aza Boxing Club, but after turning professional he will base himself in the United States to train Bethlehem, Pennsylvania under veteran trainers Chelo Betancourt and Indio Rodriguez.
"After Pinales won a medal at the Paris Olympics, becoming a professional was the next logical step. He’s had an extremely long and successful amateur career, and now it’s time to show the world what he can do as a professional. He is a very talented fighter who can do it all in the ring. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with him alongside Indio Rodriguez," said Betancourt.
Pinales, a father of two, hopes to become a big star in boxing, "Becoming a boxer is the best decision I’ve ever made. Now I am looking forward to becoming professional, as it will be another dream come true. I believe that my combination of skill and charisma will make me a household name in the boxing world. I achieved my first goal of bringing an Olympic medal home, now my focus shifts to my next goal, which is to bring a world title home. I can’t wait to go to work. I am ready and excited for the journey," Pinales finished.
