David Ramirez Lima, an 18-year-old who drew admiration in the amateur ranks, has signed co-promotional terms with Boxlab Promotions and Warriors Boxing.

Lima, from Downey, California, will work with Hall of Fame coach Joe Goossen and be trained by Carlos Espinoza who can boast Antonio Margarito, Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr, Alfredo Angulo and Daniel Ponce De Leon among his former charges.

“David is a special fighter with incredible natural talent and a great work ethic,” said Espinoza. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with him for the past few years, and I truly believe he has what it takes to become a world champion.”

Lima, an aggressive and industrious pressure fighter, said: "Words can’t describe how happy I am to be joining such an incredible team with Boxlab Promotions and Warriors Boxing," said Lima. "I want to thank my coach Carlos Espinoza and Joe Goossen for making this deal for me. It’s an honor to be associated with great boxing minds. To have two powerhouse promotions backing my career is a dream come true. I’m ready to put in the work and make my mark in the lightweight division. I can’t wait to show the world what I got. My goal is to be the next great Latino boxing star.”

Goossen, meanwhile, had extra special praise for the teenager.

"This kid is special, and I only say that about one out of every five hundred fighters who walk into my gym,” said Goossen. “You can hear his punches land—he’s very heavy-handed and extremely accurate. He’s got that classic Mexican style where he can apply pressure, but he can also box when needed. He’s already excelled in sparring against world title contenders in my gym, and his body punching is next level. His left hand is a real weapon, and he knows how to mix in uppercuts beautifully. Lima is going to make noise in this sport."

A date for Lima’s professional debut is expected to be announced soon.