(New York, NY) Junior middleweight Steven Martinez (5-0, 5 KOs), a former national amateur champion with a perfect record in the professional ranks, has signed a long-term promotional contact with DiBella Entertainment. Martinez is only 20 years old, but the young pug from the Bronx has impressed since turning pro, stopping all five opponents he has shared a ring with.

Along with having a powerful promotional force now backing his career, Martinez is aligned managerially with a pair of heavy hitters, both figuratively and literally. Martinez is co-managed by well-known Jersey powerbroker Pat Lynch, along with star running back from the New York Giants, Brandon Jacobs.

“Steven knows what hard work means. He knows it takes hard work to be a champion in boxing, just like in my business,” said Jacobs. “Even when he doesn’t have anything lined up, he is in the gym working hard.”

After winning the New York regional, Martinez won the 2008 National Golden Gloves tournament in the welterweight division. However, Martinez believes his style was never conducive to the amateur game and his impressive results at that level will be trumped by what he is capable of as a pro.

“In the amateurs, I didn’t have an amateur style,” said Martinez. “I was an amateur champion, but I fight better as a pro. I’m happy I can perform with a great promoter by my side.”

After his successful amateur run, Martinez turned professional in August, 2009 with a first round knockout over Keith Collins in North Bergen, New Jersey. Since then, with the exception of a November, 2009 outing in Las Vegas, Martinez has been plying his trade all around Jersey, just like another fighter who had his career guided by Lynch: the late, great Arturo Gatti.

“Brandon and I are extremely happy that we were able to sign Steven with DiBella Entertainment,” said Lynch. “Lou is a world class promoter, and we think we are going to get where we need to be. We are going to get Steven to a world title.”

Now signed with DiBella Entertainment, President Lou DiBella sees a future champion ready to make his mark in the northeast and beyond.

“Steven is a can’t-miss prospect, who is mature beyond his years both inside and outside the ring,” said DiBella. “He already has a solid team backing him, and with my company in his corner, his potential is great.”