By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com was advised that undefeated welterweight prospect James De La Rosa (19-0, 12 KOs) has reportedly agreed to sign a promotional deal with Don King. BoxingScene was told the two sides came to a deal on Thursday afternoon at King’s office in Florida.

De La Rosa made headlines in the last few days after announcing his free agent status to the media. Promoter Dino Duva countered with his own press release - disputing De La Rosa’s status as a free agent. De La Rosa recently filed for bankruptcy, which the fighter claims invalidates his deal with Duva. There have been allegations that De La Rosa filed for bankruptcy for the sole purpose of  breaking his contract with Duva.

BoxingScene reached Duva late Thursday night.  The veteran promoter was shocked to hear that De La Rosa signed a contract with King, who is also Duva’s business partner. If De La Rosa indeed signed a contract with King, there could be a legal battle on the horizon. Duva told BoxingScene that he still has a valid agreement with the fighter.

“I would be very shocked if Don, who is my business partner, signed De La Rosa. I spoke to Don after James announced that he was a free agent. Don offered to help me. If Don signed him, of course I will challenge it. I spoke with James and we were trying to work something out. I‘m very shocked by this news,” Duva said.