Boxing News
Team USA Standout Amateur Inks Top Rank Promotional Deal
Team USA Standout Amateur Inks Top Rank Promotional Deal
Top Rank have enjoyed a successful 2024, adding to their stacked roster by signing Juanmita López De Jesús, Steven “Kid Dynamite” Navarro and Jaime Munguia among others. Bob Arum has also recently teased a possible move for Top Rank to DAZN. The promotional giant also revealed today, they have signed seven-time national amateur champion Dedrick Crocklem to a promotional contract.
Dedrick Crocklem Joins Top Rank for Professional Career
Crocklem Picks Top Rank for Pro Journey
Crocklem enjoyed an impressive amateur career, winning over 150 fights, including a plethora of titles. The 20-year-old junior lightweight will make his pro debut in his hometown of Tacoma, Washington, on Friday, January 10. His first fight will be a four-rounder against Nesly Trezile at Emerald Queen Casino.
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The Team USA standout will be managed by James Prince and co-promoted by Antonio Leonard. Reflecting on his deal with Top Rank:“This opportunity means a lot. I always wanted to turn pro with Top Rank because of how they move their fighters and the exposure I’ll receive. I chased the Olympic dream and am ready to show I’ll be a top dog soon,” said Crocklem.
Bob Arum Reacts
Bob Arum has reflected on the latest Top Rank recruit: “Dedrick Crocklem stood out among the Team USA amateurs, and we are excited to watch his professional journey unfold,” said Top Rank Chairman Arum.
“He has a real aggressive, crowd-pleasing style. Tacoma has a rich boxing history, and I believe Dedrick will be his city’s next world champion.”
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Crocklem fell in love with boxing at an early age, at age 8, under the tutelage of Jason Hamilton in Tacoma. His professional journey will also see Hamilton involved as his chief second.
Tacoma boasts a proud boxing heritage, producing legends like former junior welterweight world champion Johnny Bumphus and two-time junior lightweight world champion Rocky Lockridge. This legacy isn’t lost on Crocklem, who reflected, “Being around all the greats in Tacoma means a lot.” He added, “There’s something different out here, and it’s pushing me to be the best.”
Freelance Writer and Digital Marketer, spending most of his time waiting for Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk II. Also watches YouTube videos of Lennox Lewis fights on a daily basis.