By Jake Donovan

Hylon Williams made two key decisions that immediately impact his fighting future. The former amateur standout inked a promotional deal with Florida-based Acquinity Sports and will now campaign in the featherweight division, it was announced Tuesday.

“We now have possibly the three top featherweight prospects in boxing,” insists promoter Henry Rivalta, whose Acquinity Sports also handles unbeaten featherweights Claudio ‘The Matrix’ Marrero and Alexi Collado. “Manager Luis DeCubas and Alex Boronte contacted us to see if a deal could be reached. After brief negotiations, we welcome Hylon aboard with open arms.”

The 22-year old Williams was a highly decorated amateur, posting a record of 145-20 and having captured championships on nearly every level short of the Olympics before turning pro in April ’08.

His career briefly hit a snag, suffering a wide points loss to Rances Barthemely last February in an ESPN2-televised bout. The eight-round affair took place at the 130 lb. limit, his lightest weight as a pro to date.

Still, it wasn’t the weight, but the erratic ring activity that brought his once-promising career to a crawl. The folks at Acquinity are confident in immediately solving that problem.

“We are pleased to add a talent like Hylon to our roster,” Rivalta states. “(Acquinity CEO) Gary Jonas and I feel he is a talented young man with a bright future ahead of him. He is a slick boxer who is a real threat to anyone at 126.

“I have no doubt in my mind that Hylon can become a world champion. He’s young, hungry, has a great attitude and works hard.”

With a new promoter standing behind him, the Houston native is confident of handling his business in the ring and comfortably shrinking down to a new weight class.

“When I debuted and started my career, I always fought heavy. I was even at 145 one time in the Carolinas,” notes Williams (16-1, 3KO), who last fought in October. “Now I’m focused and dedicated to reach my goal and that is to be champ at 126. So, all the top dogs please know that Hylon Williams is coming strong at 126 and I want to fight everyone.”

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board, Yahoo Boxing Ratings Panel and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox