Amateur Sensation Jesse Hart Signs with Top Rank

LAS VEGAS, NEV. (April 20, 2012) - Top Rank announced the signing of amateur sensation JESSE HART to an exclusive long-term promotional agreement today. Hart, son of Eugene "Cyclone" Hart, a highly-rated middleweight contender in the late '60s and early '70s who in 2003 was named to the The Ring's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time, will be making his professional debut, as a middleweight, on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley, Jr. World Welterweight Championship, Saturday, June 9 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev.

Hart, 22, is looking to continue the long and illustrious lineage of great Philadelphia-based middleweight fighters. He compiled an amateur record of 85-11, highlighted by a stellar 2011 which included winning the National Golden Gloves at 165 lbs., the USA National Tournament at 178 lbs and going undefeated at the double elimination USA Olympic Trials box-offs.  Hart also tied the knot last August, marrying childhood sweetheart Starletto Brayboy-Hart.  The Harts are expecting their first child, a daughter who will be named Halo, in August.

Hart, who signed on with the Philadelphia-based D&D Management, where he will be co-managed by Alfred "Doc" Nowicki and David Price, will continue training with his father.

"Eugene 'Cyclone' Hart fought in Philadelphia in an era of unbelievable middleweight talent. Now we have the opportunity to promote Jesse Hart, the son of the Cyclone," said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. "We hope Jesse will be a future superstar which will make all of us, including his father, very proud."

"I always admired Top Rank, Bob Arum is the best! They are and have been the premier boxing promoters for over 30-40 years," said Hart.

"As an amateur Jesse won 85 fights and a lot of gold medals. He is a very skilled fighter who has knockout power. We think he is a future world champion," said Nowicki.

"I am very excited that Jesse has signed with D&D Management as well as a promotional deal with Top Rank," said Price. "I think that everyone involved, especially the fans will thoroughly enjoy watching the career of Jesse Hart."