(DEC 16)  LOS ANGELES - 2012 Olympic Flyweight Bronze Medalist Marlen Esparza of Houston, Texas has signed a multiyear deal with top boxing promoter Golden Boy Promotions, company CEO and Chairman Oscar De La Hoya announced today.

Esparza, who also won the amateur World Championship in 2012, is the second female boxer to ever be signed with Golden Boy.

The history-first female boxer to take the honor of being the first female boxer who signed with Golden Boy Promotions is Rhonda Luna.  On other websites it is reported that Esparza is the first to sign with Golden Boy.

WBAN wrote the following in 2003 in regards to Luna fighting under the Golden Boy Promotions:  "When I’m training I don’t see or talk to anyone. I lose track,” said Luna, who fights for Golden Boy Promotions. “So when I see all of the people supporting me it makes me feel thankful they would come out and see me fight.”

In addition, boxing promoter Roy Engelbrecht told WBAN that Luna made her pro debut at his Irvine Marriott Battle in the Ballroom show and she signed a five bout promotional contract while he was with Golden Boy Promotions.

"I recently told my fans that I was going pro, and I am happy to announce that it will be the world's best promotional company - Golden Boy Promotions," Esparza said. "I am excited to get back into the ring as soon as possible and start climbing the ladder towards winning a professional world title."

Beyond her incredible success as a boxer, Esparza has already crossed over into mainstream stardom. She has an endorsement deal with CoverGirl cosmetics and has appeared in Spanish-language television ads for Coca-Cola and McDonald's among others.

"Before she ever steps foot into the ring as a professional, Marlen Esparza has already established herself as a rising star," De La Hoya said. "At Golden Boy Promotions, we pride ourselves on developing fighters and transforming them into the best of the best. We look forward to doing the same with Marlen."

Esparza will be introduced to the media at Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins' final preference conference ahead of his fight with Joe Smith, Jr. on Dec. 17.