Mayweather Promotions signs power-punching lightweight prospect Saul Rodriguez

Mayweather Promotions has signed power-punching Saul Rodriguez, a 23-year-old lightweight prospect, to their growing stable of fighters.

Rodriguez ( 20-0-1, 15 KOs), from Riverside, Calif., nicknamed "Kid Dinamita," had been fighting under the Top Rank banner since he turned pro.

Rodriguez scored a first round knockout in his pro debut in September 2011 against William Fisher and has stopped his opponent in 10 of his last 12 bouts.

His most recent fight was a seventh-round KO of veteran Daulis Prescott in May.

He is coached by highly respected trainer Robert Garcia, who has called him "the real deal."

"I have worked hard in my career and I have a great team who has helped get me to where I am now. I am developing as a professional fighter, and that comes with making choices to benefit my career," said Rodriguez. "I am excited to join the Mayweather Promotions team, because it gives me to opportunity to be under the guidance of the best and take my career to new heights."

Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather Promotions CEO touted Rodriguez as an exciting prospect who has already made a name for himself in boxing.

"We are in a position to help these up-and-coming boxers get on track to make sound moves that will build their careers and challenge them to bring out their best," Ellerbe said.

Rodriguez is expected to make his debut with Mayweather Promotions early next year.