Peter Kahn, the guy who grabbed BWAA Manager of the Year in 2022, just inked a deal with Puerto Rico’s new hope, Juanmita Lopez DeJesus. The kid’s 19, unbeaten, 3-0 with two KOs, and already getting the kind of push most young fighters only dream about.
He isn’t just another hopeful with a padded record. Juanmita’s the son of former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez, and while the name opens doors, it also comes with expectations he’ll either live up to—or get crushed by.
From the Olympics to Madison Square Garden
Lopez was in the 2024 Olympics. He didn’t medal, got bounced by Hasanboy Dusmatov, who went on to win gold. No shame there—plenty of world champions came out of the Olympics empty-handed. Before that, he made noise in the amateurs, hitting the IBA Youth World semis and taking a national title back home in Puerto Rico.
Fast forward: he turned pro in February with a first-round KO at the Garden Theater. Then he handled another unbeaten prospect, Mark Ordonez-Torres, and came back in July with another stoppage, this time in two rounds. Three fights, two KOs, all at a real venue—not some half-empty ballroom.
Kahn Sees a Future Star
“I am excited to announce that experienced manager Peter Kahn is joining my team,” Lopez said. “This signing is a significant milestone… I want to become a world champion for my people and raise the Puerto Rican flag high.”
Kahn’s no rookie with prospects. “He’s young, talented, and has all the tools to be a world champion in multiple divisions,” he said. “He’ll add to Puerto Rico’s long list of champions. He’s bilingual, has a good head on his shoulders, and knows what it’s going to take.”
The Reality Check
Sounds great on paper, but this game’s not forgiving. Lopez is promoted by Top Rank, so he’s in the right system. Kahn’s already managing big names like Xander Zayas, Franchon Crews-Dezurn, Andy Cruz, Jasmine Artiga, and a handful of other unbeaten hopefuls. That’s a serious stable, not just hype.
Still, Puerto Rican fans don’t hand out passes. They’ve seen stars come and go. The name will get him attention, but from here on, it’s all on him. Three wins don’t make a champion.
The tools are there. Now it’s time to find out if Juanmita’s the real deal—or just another kid in too deep, too fast.
People acting like he’s already a legend cause his daddy fought before 🙄 that don’t mean nothing in today’s game unless he really works hard every fight.
True that Nikki! Ain’t no shortcuts in boxing today even with famous last names—you gotta earn respect fight by fight 💯.
Y’all hating too much tho… three wins is still three wins and he KO’d two of them fast 🔥 give credit where it’s due!
Everyone talking about tools and talent but what about experience? This guy only been pro since February! Boxing is about heart and grit not just fast knockouts against no-names.
Peter Kahn managing him don’t automatically mean success 🤷♂️. Look at all them other names—how many are champions already? It’s about who you fight, not who manages you.
:boxing_glove: I get it he’s got potential but people forgetting how many prospects crash when the real tests come up. He got knocked outta Olympics early—what happens when pros hit harder?
Three fights don’t make nobody a legend. Media needs to calm down 😤. Let the kid fight more real opponents before calling him the future of Puerto Rico boxing.
Totally agree! I seen fighters with ten wins disappear after one loss. The spotlight too early messes up young guys like him.
‘Cause he’s with Top Rank and Kahn, now everyone thinks he’s special? Those companies just want money and fame, not real skill.
This whole thing seems like they trying to force another star down our throats. He ain’t done nothing big yet but already getting big contracts and media love? That ain’t right.
I don’t think Juanmita is ready for all this hype yet. Just ‘cause his dad was a champ don’t mean he will be. It’s too early to say he gonna be great.
Exactly, man! People acting like the name makes you a champ. He only had three fights! Let him prove himself first before calling him the next big thing.
Y’all forget that bloodline means something in boxing. If his dad did it, he can too. He got it in him, just needs time and support 🥊🇵🇷.