Francisco Palacios Signs with Don King

The cruiserweight division's hottest prospect has signed with the most successful promoter in the history of the sport. Bayamon, Puerto Rico's Francisco "The Wizard" Palacios, 12-0 (6 KO), recently inked a long-term contract with Don King Promotions, a deal that Palacios feels has been the missing piece to his championship quest.

"Everything is in place now," says the WBC number 15 ranked contender at 200 pounds. "Don King has made many champions and I intend to be the next in line for greatness."

Palacios' last foray in the ring was a star-making performance against top-rated knockout artist Louis Azille. With only five days advanced notice, Palacios turned the uphill battle into a coming out party, displaying his fistic magic en route to a dominant sixth-round knockout.

What's next for the rising star? A trip to France! As beautiful a country as is France, Palacios will be hard at work preparing for his next bout at the Stade Marcel Cerdan in Paris against an opponent to be named later. Palacios will be on the undercard of local hero Jean-Marc Mormeck's World Cruiserweight title defense against David Haye.

"I am very excited to be part of such a big event. This is the next step to fulfilling my goal, which is to become world champion. I look forward to putting on a great show for the wonderful French fans."