Brandon Gonzales signs with promoter Gary Shaw, seeking big fights

Super middleweight contender Brandon "Flawless" Gonzales has signed a deal with promoter Gary Shaw, as the 29-year-old looks to take his career to the next level in 2014 and beyond.

Gonzales (18-0-1, 10 KO) is a Virgil Hunter-trained fighter who made his HBO debut last June, going to a draw over 10 rounds with Thomas Oosthuizen. He followed that with a near-shutout win over previously unbeaten Jonathan Nelson in November.

"I know Gary can deliver the big fight," said Gonzales. "All I want is an opportunity to accomplish my goal of becoming a word champion. I've worked my way up the rankings by winning tough fights and now I'm ranked No. 3 by the IBF. I feel the urgency to take my career to the next level and that's why I signed with Gary Shaw. Together I know we can do big things."

Gonzales could be in line for an IBF eliminator against James DeGale, who confirmed that he was selected for an eliminator bout, with Gonzales said to be the other party. Gary Shaw said that we'll find out soon what Gonzales' next move will be.

"Brandon Gonzales is a fighter with a lot of heart and talent and I'm happy he's part of the GSP family now," said Shaw. "He's highly ranked and a nice win will get him in position to fight for a world title. I look forward to Gonzales being in some big fights. He's a tremendous individual who I have a lot of respect for because he's come up the hard way, winning fights without the support that most contenders have on the way up. We will be making an announcement shortly on what's next for Gonzales."