Former WBO Super Bantamweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon made a big announcement today. He signed a management deal with world renowned manager Frank Espinoza who was named the 2007 Manager of The Year by The World Boxing Hall of Fame.

On the new partnership Espinoza was brimming, " I truly believe Ponce had plenty of upside. He has plenty of boxing left in him and it is not out of the question to expect to see him win another World title!"

Daniel Ponce De Leon now joins a very distinguished group of pugilist who are managed by Espinoza. He contends that Espinoza can lead him in the same direction that he led former world champs Israel Vasquez, and Yohnny Perez and current IBF Bantamweight champion Abner Mares. Orange County products Luis Ramos Jr. and Ronny Rios also signed with Espinoza Boxing.

The Ciudad Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico native still remains a contender that is held in high regards despite having dropped his last two bouts to Adrien Broner and Yoriorkis Gamboa. We here at Pound-4-Pound had the opportunity to speak to Daniel Ponce De Leon tonight. Here is what he said about this new chapter of his professional boxing career.

How do you feel about signing with Espinoza Boxing?

I feel good. I was alone for three years after my contract with Yoel De La Hoya ran its course. I feel he (Frank Espinoza) really knows this business. He currently has some really good unbeaten fighters in his camp and also some promising prospects along with a world champ. I feel that he is the ideal person to manage my career moving forward.

How did this all come about?

I’ve known him for a very long time, since I began my career. I had the opportunity to chat with him after my last fight. One of those opportunities came at the “Canelo,” fight this past September. We had couple of meetings after that fight and decided it would be good to work together.

He really knows what he is talking about and knows how to work his way through this business.

What are your future plans?

I am 31 years old, I think my career can last another five or six years if I continue to take care of myself that way I have been. I love this sport and I will continue to fight as long as I can. I love to get in the gym and train.

My team and I are looking to fight on January 21st in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. I will have to talk to Frank Espinoza and my promoter Golden Boy Promotions about who I will be matched up against. But, those are the plans.

I want to fight two to three fights within the next year or so, then move up and challenge for a world title. I know I can do it.