Team USA’s heavyweight scene just got a major boost. Ali Feliz, a powerhouse with Dominican-American roots from Danbury, Connecticut, clinched gold at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials last December and has now inked a multi-year deal with Top Rank.
Under the guidance of James Prince and with Antonio Leonard in the co-promotion corner, Feliz is set to launch his pro career in a four-round bout. His opponent is still under wraps, but the date is set for April 13 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. This debut will be part of the undercard for the Jared Anderson-Ryad Merhy heavyweight headline, streamed live on ESPN+.
Bob Arum, the big boss at Top Rank, couldn’t hold back his excitement, touting Feliz as a heavyweight prodigy with a rich mix of amateur accolades and a familial boxing heritage. “He’s geared up to ascend the pro ladder,” Arum quipped.
For Feliz, this moment is the culmination of lifelong aspirations. “It’s showtime,” he declared, expressing his eagerness to inspire the next generation and dazzle the crowd come April 13.
Feliz isn’t just any fighter; he’s a legacy in motion, stepping into the pro ring with the wisdom of his father and trainer, Fernely Sr., and the footsteps of his brother, Fernely Jr., to guide him. With a debut fight at the tender age of 12 and four national titles to his name, Feliz is no stranger to the spotlight. His triumph over Steven Williams at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials was just the beginning.