Welterweight Prospect Art Barrera Jr. Signs With Top Rank

Welterweight prospect Art Barrera Jr., the latest prodigy to be forged by the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, has inked a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank.

Barrera, 18, of Lynwood, California, will make his debut under the promotional banner in a six-round fight against Javier Mayoral (6-5-1, 1 KO) on July 13. The bout will support the Janibek Alimkhanuly-Andrei Mikhailovich main event at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on a card to be streamed by ESPN+.

“Art is an elite talent with an incredible team. He has all the makings of a superstar,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He’s shown his prodigious talent on three Top Rank cards this year, and I can’t wait to see him back in action July 13 in Las Vegas.”

Barrera (5-0, 4 KOs) debuted as a pro in August 2023 with a second-round stoppage against Raymundo Rios Cardiel and continued his momentum with a first-round knockout over Darek Costilla less than two months later.

In February, Barrera blasted out Michael Portales in the opening round on the Teofimo Lopez-Jamaine Ortiz undercard and returned in March to dispatch Keven Soto in two rounds. In May, he went the distance for the first time, taking a unanimous points decision over Levy Garcia Benitez.

“All my hard work is paying off,” Barrera said. “As a professional, I’ve showcased my skills on three Top Rank shows and dominated each time. They’ve seen what I’m capable of, and I’m grateful for their trust. I’m ready to take my career to the next level.”

Garcia, a former world titleholder who trains and manages Barrera, called the fighter “one of the best young prospects I have had in recent memory.

“Great speed, timing and power. At the young age of 18, he has already had the chance to spar and learn from some of the best fighters in the world, including Vergil Ortiz Jr., Brandun Lee, Lindolfo Delgado, Jose Ramirez, Jose “El Rayo” Valenzuela and many more. Art has a very bright future, and with the help of Top Rank, I believe we have a future star in the sport of boxing.”