Press Release: Fresh off an eighth-round stoppage of Pavel Miranda in November, junior welterweight Mauricio “El Maestro” Herrera is taking the next step in his journey to the top by signing a promotional deal with Thompson Boxing Promotions.  “We’ve had our eye on Mauricio since we turned him pro, and with his recent win over Pavel Miranda, there was no question that we needed him on our team,” said Ken Thompson president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He’s one of California’s brightest prospects, and we believe he has the potential of following in the footsteps of another California junior welterweight who became a world champion, Timothy Bradley. Willie Silva, Herrera’s manager and traineradded, "I spoke with Mauricio Herrera about signing with Thompson Boxing Promotions because I know that they are masters at their craft and will keep Mauricio busy with constant fights and will be able to move him up the ranks consistently." A native of Riverside, California, Herrera (8-0 with 3 KOs) turned pro in 2007 after a stellar amateur career that saw him win 29 of 30 fights.  He has mimicked that success in the pros with eight wins in eight bouts fighting everywhere from 156 to 140 pounds and beating prospects like Daniel Cervantes, Santiago Perez and Alan Velasco. Now settled in at junior welterweight, the slick boxing Herrera is looking to take his career to the next level in 2009. “I’m focused on boxing and dedicated to my career,” said Herrera, who will be back in action in early-2009. “I’m training and learning every day and I am willing to put in all the hard work necessary to become a world champion one day."