MANILA, Philippines – Romero Duno has gone from knocking out a Golden Boy prospect to signing with the promotional company.

The 21-year-old Filipino lightweight has inked a deal with Golden Boy Promotions, Duno’s Philippines-based promoter Jim Claude Manangquil told RingTV.com. Golden Boy announced the deal on their social media accounts also on Wednesday.

Welcome to #GoldenBoy Romero Duno! Excited to announce the signing of the WBC Youth Intercontinental Lightweight Champ #TeamDuno pic.twitter.com/6LWSRyivP4

— GoldenBoyPromotions (@GoldenBoyBoxing) March 22, 2017

Duno (13-1, 12 knockouts) made a big splash in his U.S. debut on March 10, knocking out previously unbeaten fighter Christian “Chimpa” Gonzalez in two rounds in Los Angeles.

“I am very thankful to Golden Boy Promotions for giving me a chance to showcase my talent on the big stage,” Duno was quoted in a statement from Manangquil’s Sanman Promotions.

(READ: Romero Duno: From runaway student to knockout prospect)

Duno, a native of Tagum City, Philippines, is based in General Santos City, where he received a “hero’s welcome” upon his return to his adopted hometown on Wednesday, with a motorcade through town and a meeting with the town mayor afterwards.

‘This is a big break for Duno,” says Manangquil. “We thank Golden Boy for giving us a chance. We feel and trust that they are the best company to guide Duno to his ultimate dream, which is the world championship.”

Manangquil says Duno will be based at the Wild Card Boxing Card in Los Angeles when he’s in training for fights and will work with former WBC junior flyweight titleholder Rodel Mayol, who trained Duno for the Gonzalez fight. Manangquil estimates that Duno will be back in the ring around June.

Ryan Songalia is the sports editor of Rappler, a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and a contributor to THE RING magazine. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @RyanSongalia.