Junior middleweight Glen Tapia will put his unbeaten record on the line against Elco Garcia on Sept. 28 as part of Top Rank’s Solo Boxeo Tecate card in Atlantic City, the promotional company announced on Wednesday.

A 23-year-old from Passaic, N.J., Tapia (19-0, 11 knockouts) was last in the ring for last month’s bloody eighth-round technical knockout victory over Abraham Han.

“That was a big win, showing everyone I am no longer a prospect, but a real contender working towards a title fight,” said Tapia in a statement. “I always want to entertain when I am in the ring. This is what I live for. I love boxing more than anything.”

A former sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao, Tapia’s is managed by Pat Lynch, who fomerly handled the late Arturo Gatti.

“Glen really showed his ‘Jersey Strong’ mentality in that fight with Abie,” said Top Rank Vice President Carl Moretti. “The next step is to showcase him as a true headliner in New Jersey, which September 28 will provide.”

Garcia is 42 years old with a record of 27-8 (13 KOs).

Also on the card are Philadelphia-born super middleweight prospect Jesse Hart (9-0, 8 KOs) and junior lightweight Toka Kahn-Clary (7-0, 5 KOs), of Providence, R.I.

Photos by Naoki Fukuda

Lem Satterfield can be reached at [email protected]