Los Angeles, California - Golden Boy Promotions, under the leadership of Oscar De La Hoya, has made a move into the heavyweight scene, announcing the signings of two promising prospects, Joshua "Good" Edwards and Federico Pacheco Jr. The signings mark a renewed effort by Golden Boy to establish a foothold in the lucrative heavyweight landscape.

Historically, Golden Boy Promotions has been a dominant force in lighter weight classes, but its presence in the heavyweight division has been inconsistent. While they previously managed Deontay Wilder before he moved to Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), their heavyweight efforts in recent years have been sparse. However, with the heavyweight scene evolving and aging champions creating opportunities for fresh contenders, Golden Boy appears determined to claim a stake.

“We’re getting back in the heavyweight mix,” De La Hoya stated. “The division hasn’t been this hot in decades. Every single one of these prospects has the potential to become a world champion.”

Joshua Edwards, a 24-year-old Houston native, brings an impressive pedigree to Golden Boy. The 2023 Pan American Games gold medalist and 2024 Olympian has already showcased his abilities on the amateur stage, defeating top-level opposition, including Cuban champion Abner Teixeira. With a No. 1 ranking in USA Boxing’s heavyweight division, Edwards is considered one of the brightest American heavyweight prospects in recent years.

“I have been boxing all my life, and to be able to get to this point is a blessing,” Edwards said. “I want to thank Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy for believing in me. I’m proud to represent Southside Houston in my journey to become heavyweight champion.”

Edwards trains with the highly respected Ronnie Shields and Melvin Malone, an association that could accelerate his development into a world-class fighter. Given the right promotional push, Edwards has the potential to become a future heavyweight titleholder.

Los Angeles-based Federico Pacheco Jr. enters the professional ranks with a 7-0 record, including five knockouts. At just 21 years old, he is already making waves. Despite his limited amateur background, Pacheco has gained valuable experience by sparring with some of the biggest names in the division, including Zhilei Zhang, Frank Sanchez, and Arslanbek Makhmudov.

“Signing with Golden Boy Promotions is a dream come true,” said Pacheco. “With their guidance, I’m confident I can reach my full potential and one day become the heavyweight champion of the world.”

Pacheco, trained by Omar Villanueva, possesses raw power and natural athleticism. His aggressive style and ability to deliver punishing shots have already made him a fighter to watch. Golden Boy will be tasked with gradually developing him into a legitimate contender over the next few years.

Golden Boy’s decision to re-enter the heavyweight division comes at an opportune time. With aging stars like Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Oleksandr Usyk nearing the final chapters of their careers, a new generation of is emerging.

While Golden Boy has seen limited success in developing heavyweights in the past, the signing of Edwards and Pacheco signals a commitment to change that narrative. Both fighters bring unique skill sets—Edwards with his polished amateur pedigree and Pacheco with his raw power and potential.

In addition to these heavyweight signings, Golden Boy has also secured two cruiserweight prospects, Robin "Robz" Safar and Tristan "Sweet T" Kalkreuth, both of whom could move up to heavyweight in the future. Safar, an undefeated Swedish fighter with a 17-0 record, made headlines with his dominant victory over Sergey Kovalev. Kalkreuth, who re-signed with Golden Boy, has shown steady progress and possesses the frame to transition into the heavyweight ranks as he matures.

The presence of these cruiserweights within Golden Boy’s stable further strengthens their long-term heavyweight aspirations. Fighters moving up from cruiserweight to heavyweight have found considerable success in the past, with Usyk being the most recent example.

Golden Boy faces significant challenges in re-establishing itself as a powerhouse in the heavyweight division. The competition among promoters is fierce, with Queensberry Promotions, Top Rank and Matchroom all heavily invested. Additionally, heavyweight boxing is an unpredictable business, where prospects often falter when transitioning from the amateur ranks to the pros.

Edwards and Pacheco will need careful matchmaking and strategic development to avoid being rushed into deep waters too soon. Their early fights will be critical in determining how quickly they can climb the ranks and whether they have the potential to challenge for world titles in the years ahead.

With the division entering a period of transition, Golden Boy Promotions has a chance to make an impact. The signings of Edwards and Pacheco, along with cruiserweights Safar and Kalkreuth, indicate a long-term vision to build a strong stable of fighters capable of competing at the highest level.

For Golden Boy to succeed, it must provide its new heavyweight prospects with the right fights, exposure, and promotional backing. The division is primed for new stars, and Edwards and Pacheco now have the opportunity to prove they belong.