Following an accelerated amateur career that saw him secure two national titles, super middleweight prospect “King” Julian Delgado is ready to launch his pro career in front of his hometown fans.

 

Delgado, 22, will face an opponent to be named in a four-round special attraction on Saturday, April 13, at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Delgado’s pro debut and the rest of the undercard will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.

The ESPN-televised tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) will feature a pair of 10-round heavyweight showdowns, as unbeaten phenom Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson steps up in class to face Belgian contender Ryad Merhy.

In the co-feature, Nigerian puncher Efe Ajagba and Italian standout Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello will collide in a showdown between 2016 Olympians.

The eight-round televised opener will see Brazilian Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição taking on Mexico’s Jose Guardado.

Delgado's journey in the sweet science began not long ago, in 2021. He quickly found his calling and secured two national and state titles across an almost 40-fight amateur career. In 2023, Delgado etched his name in Texas history by becoming the first Corpus Christi native in four decades to secure a National Golden Gloves title, following in the footsteps of former junior featherweight world champion Jesse Benavides. Less than a year later, Delgado is gearing up for his start in the paid ranks.

 

“This is a moment I have been manifesting and have been working towards, day in day out, for the last two years of my life,” Delgado said. “I cannot wait to shine in front of my friends and family and put on an exciting fight that showcases just how bright my future is. This is an opportunity to prove myself and demonstrate the hard work and dedication that has brought me to this point.”