Andres “Savage” Cortes, the Las Vegas-born junior lightweight contender who has authored a string of highlight-reel knockouts, has signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank.
The 24-year-old Cortes (16-0, 9 KOs) will return this spring on an upcoming Top Rank on ESPN card.
“Andres Cortes is a tremendous action fighter and fits right in with all of the contenders at 130 pounds,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He’s earned a promotional contract and the right to fight on major cards. I truly believe he can be the next homegrown world champion from Las Vegas.”
Cortes said, “This is an incredible opportunity, and I’m thankful to Bob Arum and everyone at Top Rank. Every time I fight, it’s the ‘Savage Show.’ I strive to entertain the fans and give them action-packed fights. With this contract, the sky’s the limit. My goal is to fight in main events and eventually bring a world title home to Las Vegas.”
Cortes, who has a pair of amateur victories over former undisputed lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez, emerged as a junior lightweight to watch in July 2020 with his off-the-deck decision victory over Alejandro Salinas. Last August, he broke through with a first-round stoppage over Genesis Servania. It was a short, brutal battle in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as Cortes leveled Servania with a left hook as the round ended. Servania, a former world title challenger, had never been knocked out in 12 years as a pro. Cortes followed up the Servania demolition with last November’s third-round stoppage over Filipino veteran Mark Bernaldez.
Credit: Top Rank Boxing
