Las Vegas - Power punching super featherweight Andy Vences, who has a hard left hook and a wicked straight right, has signed with Top Rank. Andy has a 12-0, 8 KO pro record He is from San Jose.
"Andy is special. He has a great skillset, fights hard and has a great fan following. We are all excited about him at Top Rank," said Hall of Fame matchmaker Bruce Trampler.
Manager Herb Stone said he first spotted Andy at the 3rd Street Gym in San Francisco.
"We brought Andy in to spar one of our fighters," said Herb. "Andy got into the ring and fired off some hard left hooks and a hard right. I knew instantly he could fight on a high level."
Andy said his nickname is El Tiburon - the Shark.
"My coach Gabe Flores gave me that name," said Andy. "I'm from San Jose and our hometown hockey team is the San Jose Sharks. It's also the way I fight like a shark - smooth in the attack and then go hard for the knockout. And when my opponent is ready to go, I try to take him out.
"I have a good ability to adapt to a situation in the ring and go right for the win."
Andy said his favorite fighter is BWAA Fighter of the Year and ESPY nominated Terence Crawford of Omaha.
"Crawford uses timing and correct distance to get his rhythm going. Not many do it the way he does," Andy said.
As an amateur Andy was a three-time gold medalist in the 141 pound division at the 2010, 2011 and 2012 California Golden Gloves. In 2011 he was a bronze medalist at 132 pounds at the National PAL Championships in the Open Division
Trampler said Andy Vences will make his Top Rank debut in September.