One of the solid tells in this industry can be found here: when someone who has a solid rep as a talent evaluators signs a prospect or contender on the cusp to their stable.

When a James Prince takes on a new managerial client, being that he saw what Andre Ward was early on, and Floyd Mayweather, and that he has Shakur Stevenson on his team, it makes me perk up and take notice.

So I did when I learned that J Prince has brought NJ boxer Julian Rodriguez into the fold.

The 16-0 (10 KO) hitter is 23 years old.

“My team and I are very excited and are looking forward to this big year to come,” “Hammer Hands” Rodriguez, promoted by Top Rank, told me. “We’ve been keeping quiet the past few months because we were handling business outside the ring, that would ultimately benefit my future and my career in boxing.”

And what does Prince bring to his table?

“We felt like we needed someone that was going to work hard for us and someone who could turn our goals into reality, and James is definitely one that can do that.”

And he’s still aligned with Team Arum and Top Rank?

“Yes,” Rodriguez continued. “They just sent me a letter exercising the two-year option.”

So, my three cents: you might want to keep a sharper eye on this 140-pounder, because Prince doesn’t sign duds.