Michel La Zarza Ali Rivera is back in the ring to start of the triple header Headlining WBA Welterweight Champion Jamal James as he Battles Undefeated Contender Radzhab Butaev on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 30 in a Premier Boxing Champions Event from
Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now fighting out of Miami, Fla. Rivera (21-0, 14 KOs) burst onto the scene in 2019, making his U.S. debut with a victory over Juan Rene Tellez. The 23-year-old continued his ascent in 2020, adding a stoppage win against Fidel Maldonado Jr. and a unanimous decision triumph against lightweight contender LaDarius Miller. Rivera has continued his dominance with a pair of knockout victories in 2021, stopping Anthony Mercado Raices in February before most recently delivering a highlight-reel knockout of Jon Fernandez in July on SHOWTIME.
“Romero made a big mistake taking this fight,” said Rivera. “What he’s seen from me in the
gym, is not the same thing that he’s going to see on fight night. He is far from a fight night
He is a good fighter, but he’s not at my level. I won’t let him go the distance like Isaac Cruz did. On October 30, I’m going to give him the beating of his
lifetime.”
fighter. He folds under pressure or runs.
Romero (24-1, 8 KOs) made his stateside debut in March, dropping a competitive decision to top lightweight contender Isaac Cruz on SHOWTIME. Previously, the Cordoba, Argentina native picked up a pair of victories in 2020, winning a 12-round decision over Javier Jose Clavero in November, while stopping Gabriel Gustavo Ovejero in March. A pro since 2015, the 25-year-old will look to bounce back from his first defeat and move into title contention against another elite
135-pound opponent.
“Rivera and I have the same promoter and I personally requested for Sampson Lewkowicz to let
me fight him when I saw he had no opponent,” said Romero. “I am willing to step in because I
know I can beat him. We have trained at the same gym, but never sparred. His style is perfect
for my style. This is going to be another victory for me to add to my collection.”
PUNSH DRUNK BOXING 