After becoming a legitimate junior featherweight contender, the next step for Diego De La Hoya is to become a world titleholder.

The unbeaten 122-pounder has signed a new contract with Golden Boy Promotions, manager Joel De La Hoya told The Ring Monday night. Specifics were not revealed, but the contract is a multi-fight deal.

The 24-year-old De La Hoya, who has fought under the Golden Boy Promotions banner since his professional debut, is the younger cousin of Joel and Oscar De La Hoya.

“(With) renewing (our) promotional and managerial deal, we start our second phase in Diego’s career,” said Joel De La Hoya via text message. “The first half was developmental and he passed with flying colors. This next stage is about the grooming process for a world title run.

“The next fight or two will give us an indication as to how soon we can challenge any of the world titleholders at 122 pounds.”

De La Hoya (21-0, 10 knockouts), who resides in Mexicali, Mexico, is the mandatory challenger to face WBO junior featherweight titleholder Isaac Dogboe. He is currently ranked No. 6 by The Ring and No. 4 by the IBF, WBA and WBC.

De La Hoya is penciled in for a return to the ring in November. That fight will likely be against a legit contender with 2019 being eyed for the world title shot.

However, Joel De La Hoya is eager to take one step at a time.

“First things first and that is November,” he said. “Like any fighter, winning, defending, and unifying the coveted world title is the ultimate goal.”

Francisco A. Salazar has written for RingTV.com since October 2013. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing

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