Amateur standout Kevin Montano has signed a managerial deal with Split-T Management, it was announced Wednesday.

The 23-year-old will make his pro debut Friday night against Tyler Marshall (1-7, 1 knockout) of San Diego at the Doubletree Hotel in Sacramento, California, not far from his home in suburban Concord.

Montano had a stellar amateur career that saw him rise to the No. 2 lightweight in the United States. Some of his accomplishments include a three-time California State amateur champion, a 2017 National Golden Gloves runner-up, a 2017 Eastern qualifier runner-up, a 2019 Western qualifier runner-up and placing third at the 2021 Nationals.

After finalizing his commitment to the pro ranks, Montano was eager to sign with David McWater, who also manages unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez. Montano is confident he can have a success with McWater guiding his pro career. 

"Leading up to the end of my amateur career, Split-T Management CEO David McWater was there for me in so many ways,” said Montano. “Dave gave me so much advice, and seeing how he treated me in (the) amateurs, I feel that I am in the right spot. He has so many great fighters like Teofimo Lopez. I feel that Dave has the power and intelligence to move my career with success.

"I grew up in a bad (part of) town that was on par section A Housing. My family and friends wanted me to stay out of trouble, so my they kept me in the gym. When I won my 1st fight at (age) 9, I loved the feeling of winning. Nothing compared to performing in front of a crowd, and have your named announced as a winner."

Montano, who is fluent in both English and Spanish, recently earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Sacramento State University. He will be trained by Gary Sullenger, who has been his trainer since age 8. 

Francisco A. Salazar has written for BoxingScene since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxig