(Dec. 11, 2024) — Dedrick Crocklem, a seven-time national amateur champion, has inked a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank.

The 20-year-old junior lightweight will turn pro on Friday, Jan. 10, in a four-rounder against Nesly Trezile at Emerald Queen Casino in his hometown of Tacoma, Washington.

Crocklem, who is managed by James Prince and co-promoted by Antonio Leonard, won the U.S. Olympic Team Trials last December.

Crocklem said, “This opportunity means a lot. I always wanted to turn pro with Top Rank because of how they move their fighters and the exposure I’ll receive. I chased the Olympic dream and am ready to show I’ll be a top dog soon.”

“Dedrick Crocklem stood out among the Team USA amateurs, and we are excited to watch his professional journey unfold,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He has a real aggressive, crowd-pleasing style. Tacoma has a rich boxing history, and I believe Dedrick will be his city’s next world champion.”

Crocklem won over 150 fights in the unpaid ranks, captured a pair of Youth National Championships (2020 and 2021), and a gold medal at the 2022 National Championships. He’s experienced on the international stage and earned a bronze medal at the 2022 Youth World Championships in La Nucía, Spain. After winning the U.S. Olympic Team Trials at 139 pounds, he bested an impressive international field in April at the USA Boxing International Invitational in Pueblo, Colorado.

Crocklem moved to Tacoma as a child and started training at age 8 under the guidance of Jason Hamilton. He’ll turn pro with Hamilton as his chief second as he looks to continue Tacoma’s storied fistic tradition. This lineage includes 1972 Olympic gold medalist Sugar Ray Seales, 1976 Olympic gold medalist Leo Randolph, former junior welterweight world champion Johnny Bumphus, and two-time junior lightweight world champion Rocky Lockridge.

“Being around all the greats in Tacoma means a lot,” Crocklem said. “There’s something different out here, and it’s pushing me to be the best.”