Rising Puerto Rican Star Juanmita Lopez DeJesus Signs with BWAA Manager of the Year Peter Kahn

BWAA Manager of the Year Peter Kahn has officially added another blue-chip prospect to his growing stable, signing undefeated Juanmita Lopez DeJesus of Caguas, Puerto Rico, to an exclusive managerial contract.

At just 19 years old, Lopez (3-0, 2 KOs) is already making noise in the professional ranks. The son of former two-division world champion Juan Manuel Lopez, Juanmita has been widely regarded as one of Puerto Rico’s brightest young boxing talents.

Amateur Pedigree and Olympic Experience

Lopez built an impressive amateur résumé before turning pro. He reached the semifinals of the 2022 IBA Youth World Championships, followed by a Puerto Rican National Championship in 2023. In 2024, he represented Puerto Rico at the Olympic Games, entering the tournament as one of the youngest boxers in the field. Although he fell short against eventual gold medalist Hasanboy Dusmatov, his performance on the international stage raised his profile significantly.

Fast Start in the Pro Ranks

Juanmita made his professional debut on February 14, 2025, stopping Bryan Santiago in the first round at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. He followed up with a decision win over previously undefeated Mark Ordonez-Torres, before returning to MSG on July 26, where he scored a second-round stoppage over Jorge Gonzalez-Sanchez to improve to 3-0.

Statements from Fighter and Manager

“I am excited to announce that experienced manager Peter Kahn is joining my team,” Lopez DeJesus said. “This signing is a significant milestone in my career and will provide me with opportunities to achieve my goals in the sport of boxing. Together, we are building a complete team that reflects my commitment to becoming a world champion for my people and my determination to proudly raise the Puerto Rican flag high.”

Kahn echoed the excitement:

“I am extremely excited to be working with Juanmita and his team. He is a very young and talented fighter, and has all of the tools to be a world champion in multiple weight divisions. He will add to the rich history of Puerto Rican champions. He is bilingual, he has a great personality, and understands what it’s going to take to fulfill his dreams.”

Building a Championship Future

Lopez is currently promoted by Top Rank, one of boxing’s premier promotional companies. Under Kahn’s guidance, he joins a powerhouse stable that includes WBO Junior Middleweight Champion Xander Zayas, WBA/WBC Super Middleweight Champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn, lightweight star Andy Cruz, WBA Super Flyweight Champion Jasmine Artiga, as well as undefeated prospects Aaron Aponte, Henry Lebron, Yankiel Rivera, and Charlie Sheehy.

With his pedigree, youth, and new partnership with one of boxing’s most respected managers, Juanmita Lopez DeJesus appears poised to continue Puerto Rico’s proud tradition of producing world champions.