Criztec Bazaldua has signed a promotional deal with Matchroom. The amateur star is set to make his professional debut on Saturday March 4 at the Polideportivo Arena in Culiacan, Mexico exclusively live on DAZN over four rounds at lightweight against Jose Bustamante (1-0). Bazaldua brings a glittering resume into the paid ranks; the rangy southpaw exits the amateur code as the #1 ranked fighter at 139 pounds in 2022 and a six-time national champion in the United States. The 18-year old has a stellar team behind him with Hearn and Matchroom joining trainer Manny Robles, who is looking to make ‘El Flaco’ the first champion he’s trained from the amateurs. Manager Richard Moorenguides his career.
“I am humbled and privileged to have signed a professional contract with the leading promotional company in Matchroom,” said Bazaldua. “It’s become the home for incredible Mexican talent, here and across the U.S with the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Jesse Rodriguez, Juan Francisco Estrada, Julio Cesar Martinez, and Mauricio Lara on the roster. I hope I can entertain La Raza and Latin fans equally over these next few years and win over their hearts.”
“I am delighted to welcome Criztec to the stable,” said Matchroom's Eddie Hearn. “This young man has bags of potential and with Matchroom, Manny and Richard guiding him, every key is within reach for him to unlock it. We are dedicated to unearthing young talents and guiding them to the very top. Criztec joins Puerto Rican talent Yankiel Rivera and Peter McGrail in the UK as the latest starlets joining the team, and we will continue to seek the best up-and-coming fighters all over the world and give them every opportunity to achieve their dreams.”
Robles said, “coaching amateurs was a long time ago and a different part of my career, but I decide to make an exception for two kids a few years back that I thought were destined to be exceptional and have been working with them since, as part of my professional stable. Criztec was one of them, the other being his sister Perla. They’ve developed and grown so much in the last three years and have had the opportunity to train alongside and spar some of the best champions in the world that walk through the gym, week in week out. Criztec is a tough Mexican but also has that US boxing ability, standing at 6'1" as a southpaw at 135 pounds, he could cause a lot of fighters problems.”
“Criztec is a rare kind of athlete that in my opinion has it all,” said Moore. “The ability to grow into a superstar in the ring considering the coaching team he has in his corner, his technical ability, which is testament to his amateur credentials and the opportunity to build a special connection to the people he represents like Julio Cesar Chavez and through his inspirational story in boxing transcend the sport.
“I know how hard it can be and how much energy needs to be invested from a manager to really ensure that the fighter has every chance to succeed in boxing, it’s unlike many other sports, having worked in a lot of others and other areas of sport before boxing. Often managers get a promotional deal signed and think their job is done. For me at this stage it’s barely started, and the real work begins. Aside from Ramla I’ve not made this kind of investment into any other fighters before because of what I understand it takes. Criztec will have my full commitment to helping him achieve his dreams and change not only his life but his families.”
