Bob Arum: ‘Among the Greatest Teenage Talents’ Signed

Top Rank continues to enhance its stable by signing both established and rising fighters. Emmanuel Chance, Rohan Polanco, and Yan Santana are just three of the talented fighters who have joined in recent times. On May 20, 2025, they unveiled the signing of Julian “El Natural” Montalvo (3-0, 2 KOs).

Top Rank Adds Rising Star Julian Montalvo

Bob Arum Praises Talented Montalvo

Teenage prodigy Montalvo (3-0, 2 KOs) has signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank. The 17-year-old super featherweight prospect was born in Las Vegas, with family roots in Sinaloa, Mexico. Montalvo is highly regarded and will continue to be trained and managed by Armando Flores, who has been by his side since his first day in the gym.

The teenager arrives with a huge reputation, and Bob Arum expressed great excitement about the signing: “Julian Montalvo is among the greatest teenage talents I’ve ever seen, a humble young man who has spent the past several years nurturing his prodigious talent at the Top Rank Gym,” said Arum.

Arum further teased the ability of Montalvo: “He has handled numerous world champions, top contenders, and blue-chip prospects with shocking ease. After witnessing several sparring sessions, I knew I was watching someone special. I’m excited for boxing fans to discover ‘El Natural’ and follow his journey to world titles and the pound-for-pound list.”

“I am grateful to Top Rank for giving me the platform to showcase my talents. Boxing is my passion, and I will continue giving everything I have to the sport,” said Montalvo.

Julian Montalvo: Natural Fit With Top Rank

His trainer and manager, Flores revealed Top Rank was always the natural fit for Montalvo: “Julian grew up in the Top Rank Gym learning from so many great fighters, so this was the natural fit,” Flores said. “Top Rank’s track record of developing champions is second to none.”

Julian Montalvo was a talented amateur, but he chose to forgo the national amateur system to prepare himself for the professional ranks, sparring some of the best fighters in the world at various Las Vegas gyms before finding a home with Top Rank.

With Top Rank’s proven track record and Montalvo’s prodigious talent, the teenage sensation looks set to have found the perfect home for his professional journey.