Top Rank Signs Teenage Standout Julian “El Natural” Montalvo

One of boxing’s brightest young prospects is ready to make his mark.

Seventeen-year-old junior lightweight Julian “El Natural” Montalvo (3-0, 2 KOs), a rising star out of Las Vegas with roots in Sinaloa, Mexico, has signed a long-term promotional deal with Top Rank. Already a gym legend for his mature, composed sparring against top-tier professionals, Montalvo will return to the ring this summer after earning a unanimous decision win last weekend over Erick Eugenio Tovar Gutierrez in Colima, Mexico.

Montalvo is trained and managed by Armando Flores, who has worked with him since the beginning—guiding his development from a raw talent into a polished professional.

“Julian Montalvo is one of the most gifted teenagers I’ve ever seen in the ring,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He’s spent years honing his craft at the Top Rank Gym and has more than held his own against world champions and top contenders. After watching him spar, it was clear—this kid is special. Fans are going to love watching ‘El Natural’ grow into a superstar.”

Montalvo expressed gratitude for the opportunity: “I’m thankful to Top Rank for believing in me. Boxing is everything to me, and I’ll keep working hard to show the world what I can do.”

Flores added, “Julian learned from some of the best fighters in the world by watching, sparring, and growing up in the Top Rank Gym. This is the perfect fit. No one develops young fighters like Top Rank.”

Although he compiled a 20-1 amateur record, Montalvo didn’t follow the typical amateur path. Instead, Flores focused on giving him in-depth experience through countless sparring rounds, emphasizing a professional style early on. By the time he was in his early teens, Montalvo was already going rounds with seasoned pros across Las Vegas, quietly building a reputation among those in the know.

Now, the secret is out. “El Natural” is ready for the spotlight.