Duke Ragan is going pro.
The U.S. amateur star, a silver medalist in the 2017 World Championships, has signed a promotional deal with Top Rank and Antonio Leonard Promotions.
The featherweight from Cincinnati will make his debut in a four-rounder on the Eleider Alvarez-Joe Smith Jr. card on Aug. 22 in Las Vegas. His opponent has yet to be determined.
Ragan is trained by Kay Koroma, who also works with Shakur Stevenson, Mikaela Mayer and Jarrett Hurd, among others.
“This opportunity means the world to me,” Ragan said. “Since I didn’t go to the Olympics, becoming a world champion is my next goal. My jab, counterpunching ability, and stamina are more suited to the pro game.
“When I fought with headgear, I was hurting guys but not knocking them out. You’ll see more knockouts from me as a pro.”
Said Bob Arum, Top Rank’s chairman: “Cincinnati has produced countless great fighters, and we believe Duke Ragan will be the next world champion from the ‘Queen City.’”
Ragan suffered two losses in the U.S. Olympic Trials in December but still had a path to the Tokyo Games. However, with the postponement of the Olympics until next year and his 3-year-old daughter in mind, he decided to turn pro.
“It’s finally my time to shine,” he said. “I’m proud to be from Cincinnati, and I know bringing home a world championship will put me up there with the top dogs from my city.”