By Sean Reed

Basking in the afterglow of representing his country during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Luis “Latin Legend” Yanez is at last ready to fulfill a lifelong pugilistic dream. The outspoken junior flyweight signed an exclusive contract with Dallas (TX)-based Mendelson Entertainment Group (M.E.G.), who will present his pro debut on February 20th against Julio Cesar Valadez (3-2, 1 KO).

For the last five or six years, Yanez has been nagging his trainer, Dennis Rodarte, about turning professional.  Long before establishing himself as the crème de la crème' of United States light flyweights (and ranked as highly as third, internationally) the flamboyant "Latin Legend" was ready to trade in the headgear and white tipped gloves for the chance to punch for paychecks. 

After all, Yanez' mentor/ role model/ surrogate big bother and sparring partner, Hector Beltran (a junior welterweight with a record of 11-1-1, 10 KO's), turned pro in February of 2003 with Yanez tagging along, getting exposed to prizefighting.  "I can't wait until Hector and me are on the same shows,” Luis would echo. 

Fortunately, the astute Rodarte saw the bigger picture; in his midst was a young, eager bundle of energy that had just won a silver medal at the Junior Olympics, so Dennis was compelled to ride that wave to the end. 

Over the years, what ensued was unadulterated domination of the "open" division throughout the U.S. of A. and a spot on its' 2008 Olympic boxing team. 

The next step is now less than a month away.

The 15-fight deal between Yanez and M.E.G. was consummated on December 30th, 2008 at a press conference held at American Airlines Center (home of the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars), the location of Yanez' debut. 

FOXSPORTSNET Southwest will televise this junior bantamweight contest live at 9pm CST, and it's only fitting that Beltran is on the undercard. 

Already faced with several endorsement opportunities, Yanez also has a biography forthcoming and will likely have a logo formed from the silhouette of one of his many signature poses.  Playfully, he commented by way of rhyme, "The Latin Legend is turning pro.  Consider this a warning, I'm letting everybody know, that they're about to witness one helluva show!" 
 
     Valadez elected to eschew a battle of freestyle rhymes and was not awed by Yanez, "I know he's supposed to be this and that, but he's never fought without a headgear, never fought at 116 lbs and most importantly, never fought me.  I plan to take it to him and see what he's really got.  My plan is to give him a rude welcome to professional boxing."  Residing in San Antonio, the tough and determined Valadez has appeared on ESPN2's Wednesday Night Fights. 

The CEO of M.E.G. is Barry Mendelson, a man who has worn many caps in his lifetime.  He's worked in professional sports for over 30 years, doing radio broadcasting for the New York Giants and New York Jets, putting in time with ABC Sports and performing various endeavors for Madison Square Garden, the Los Angeles Forum, LA Lakers and LA Kings.

Mendelson is perhaps best known for producing over 90 episodes of the critically acclaimed documentary series, "Beyond the Glory", shown on FOXSPORTS.  His intent is for Yanez to fight exclusively in televised main events.

It's been quite a ride for Yanez, who became a daily fixture on Dallas/Ft. Worth newscasts and publications after initially being kicked off the 2008 U.S. boxing team.  He was eventually reinstated and flew with the squad to Beijing, where he won his first bout of Olympic competition, 12-9. 

After an 8-7 loss ended his medal hopes, Yanez packed his bags and boarded the next plane out of China heading home, to the Dallas suburb of Duncanville.

A few weeks later, a ceremony was held proclaiming September 4th, "Luis Yanez Day", followed by a visit to the White House on October 6th.  Sandwiched between those two dates was an invitation to the Juan Diaz vs. Michael Katsidis card (at the request of Golden Boy Promotions), as well as the pleasure of being the guest of honor at a Golden Boy-promoted "Solo Boxeo" televised show, held a week later in Grand Prairie, Tx. 

The personable Yanez goes to local restaurants to watch big pay-per-view cards and impromptu photo and autograph sessions inevitably break out. ESPN Deportes has interviewed Yanez several times, most notably a few hours prior to the Oscar de la Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao mega bout.

Luis has also been making friends with former members of his favorite football squad, "America's Team", the Dallas Cowboys.  Everson Walls, Nate Newton, Larry Brown (MVP of Super Bowl XXX), Charles Haley, Raghib "Rocket" Ismail, Leon Lett, Kevin Mathis and Adam "Pac Man" Jones are among those who have dined with or watched fights with Yanez.