Tag Archives: A.J. Rivera

boksen, USA Boxing

Boksen redde het leven van wereldkampioen in twee divisies "El Gallo" Jose Antonio Rivera

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Ronde. (Juni 4, 2020) - Zoals veel boksers, twee-divisie wereldkampioen "El Gallo" Jose Antonio Rivera credits boksen voor het redden van zijn leven.

"Absoluut,'Rivera was het daarmee eens. 'Nadat mijn moeder was overleden toen ik dat was 10 jaar oud, Ik gaf het leven op en mijn besluitvorming weerspiegelde dat: rondhangen met de verkeerde menigte, inclusief bendeleden, alcohol consumeren tussen de leeftijden van 10 en 15. Ik ging absoluut de verkeerde kant op.

'Ik had nooit gedacht dat ik een toekomst had totdat ik begon met boksen. Het is moeilijk te zeggen wat ik zou doen als ik nooit had gebokst, maar trouwens ik leefde, Ik zou nu waarschijnlijk in de gevangenis of dood zijn. "

Geboren in Philadelphia, Rivera woonde in Puerto Rico en Springfield, MA, voordat hij naar Worcester verhuisde, MA, waar hij een man ontmoette die hielp zijn leven te veranderen, Carlos Garcia, die de leiding had over een speciaal boksprogramma bij de Worcester Boys & Girls Club.

Rivera was op haar leeftijd begonnen met boksen 14 ½ in een kelder met zijn vriend, Felix Lopez.  Hij was na het kijken verliefd geworden op boksenRoberto Duran van streek"Sugar" Ray Leonard in hun eerste gevecht. De jonge Puerto Ricaanse-Amerikaan gebruikte specifiek zijn amateur-bokservaring om zich voor te bereiden op de professionele rangen. Garcia, die in de National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame staat, zette hem in een beginnende wedstrijd na slechts één amateurgevecht om Rivera op het goede spoor te zetten, omdat hij begreep dat Rivera ervan droomde om als professional wereldkampioen te worden. Rivera eindigde met een 35-15 amateur-record, gemarkeerd door een bronzen medaille optreden in de PAL Nationals.

'Ik heb nooit grote amateurambities gehad, maar, natuurlijk, Ik wilde elk gevecht winnen waarin ik meedeed,'Zei Rivera. "Eens kwalificeerde ik me niet voor de Olympische Trials, mijn plan was om pro te worden. Ik wist niet hoeveel de amateurs me zouden verzorgen om een ​​succesvolle professionele bokser te worden. Ik ben blij dat ik naar mijn coaches heb geluisterd, anders was ik eerder pro geworden, omdat ik gefrustreerd zou raken over de politiek van de amateurs. Ik haatte het om te verliezen, maar ik haatte het om nog meer te verliezen toen ik wist dat ik had moeten winnen. Na drie jaar samen (met Garcia) bij de amateurs en een schat aan ervaring opdoen door heel New England te reizen, het land en zelfs vechten in Canada, Ik zag alle soorten stijlen en getalenteerde boksers die me als professional hebben geholpen. Carlos is als een vaderfiguur voor mij en tijdens al onze trainingen en reizen, hij zat altijd in mijn hoofd, me opbouwen om een ​​goede bokser te worden, maar ook om me te helpen een betere man te worden. '

Op november 7, 1992, Rivera maakte zijn profdebuut, uitspelen vanFrancisco Mercedes in de tweede ronde. Hij won zijn eerste 23 pro aanvallen, inclusief de Massachusetts State weltergewicht titel in 1995. Zijn eerste pro-verlies was voor veteraan Philadelphia-jagerWillie Wise (20-3-4), die een controversiële split-decision van 10 ronden won bij Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. Rivera had in zijn eerste verlies bewezen dat hij meer was dan een prospect, een goede beslissing verliezen (98-95, 94-97, 94-96) tegen een tegenstander die het Mexicaanse icoon van streek heeft gemaaktJulio Cesar Chavez (102-3-2) slechts drie jaar later.

Toont dezelfde veerkracht die Rivera zijn hele carrière bijbracht, twee gevechten later stopte RiveraGilberto Flores in twee rondes om de International Boxing Organization vast te leggen (IBO) wereldkampioenschap weltergewicht. Rivera verlengde zijn nieuwe winstreak naar zeven, voordat je rug aan rug gevechten verliest. Vier gevechten later, hoewel, Rivera boekte zijn eerste statementzege in 2001, uitspelen vanFrankie Randall (55-10-1) in de 10th ronde om zijn North American Boxing Association te behouden (Ook) kroon in zijn eerste verdediging.

Nu gepromoot door de legendarische Don King, Rivera reisde in september over de Atlantische Oceaan 2003 naar Duitsland, waar maar weinig Amerikanen konden winnen. Rivera bewees al vroeg dat hij zaken meende, voorheen ongeslagen laten vallenMichel Trabant in de tweede ronde op weg naar het winnen van een 12-ronde meerderheidsbeslissing voor de vacante World Boxing Association (WBA).  Zijn regering, echter, duurde niet lang. In zijn eerste verdediging, Rivera verloor thuis in Worcester een split-decision van 12 ronden aan de uitdagerLuis Collazo (24-1)

Rivera ging een gewichtsklasse omhoog voor zijn volgende gevecht, het tonen van de veerkracht die een hoofdbestanddeel was tijdens zijn carrière voor zijn volgende gevecht, ook thuis, tegen WBA junior middengewicht wereldkampioenAlexandro Garcia (25-1).

In zijn volgende gevecht en eerste verdediging van zijn derde wereldtitel, Rivera werd voor het eerst in zijn professionele carrière gestopt, door nieuwe kampioenTravis Simms (24-0), en toen werd hij uitgeschakeldDaniel Santos (24-0) in ronde acht van hun WBA junior middengewicht titel eliminator.

Rivera ging met pensioen 2008 alleen om een ​​comeback te maken 2001, waarna hij weer met pensioen ging tot hij terugkeerde voor twee gevechten in Worcester om zijn professionele carrière mee af te sluiten 50 gevechten, de laatste komst op de leeftijd van 46.

"Jose's USA Boxing-ervaringen vormden hem tot de karaktervolle man die hij nu is, zowel in als buiten de ring,"ZeiChris Tofflemire, USA Boxing Alumni Director. “Hij nam de minder afgelegde weg voor een wereldkampioen, en daarmee toonde hij zijn taaiheid en doorzettingsvermogen, wat hem een ​​geweldig voorbeeld maakte voor de huidige USA Boxers. "

USA Boxing Alumni Association

Gemaakt om kampioen levenslang, wederzijds voordelige relaties tussen de VS in dozen en haar alumni, –boksers, ambtenaren, coaches en boxing fans — De Alumnivereniging verbindt generaties kampioenen, inspirerende en terug te geven aan de VS Boxing toekomstige kampioenen boksen, in en uit de ring.

De USA Boxing Alumni Association staat open voor iedereen die een voorliefde heeft voor boksen en in contact wil blijven met amateurboksen. Leden krijgen toegang tot een breed scala aan speciale evenementen die worden georganiseerd door de Alumnivereniging, met inbegrip van de jaarlijkse USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame receptie.

Om lid te worden van de Alumnivereniging, kunt u zich registreren opalumni@usaboxing.org voor een $40.00 lidmaatschapsgeld per jaar. Nieuwe leden ontvangen een T-shirt, sleutelhanger en e-wallet.

Rivera was een echte wereldkampioen werken. Weinig wereldkampioenen hadden tijdens hun titelregering ook een voltijdbaan. Rivera gebruikte vakantietijd, evenals persoonlijke en ziektedagen, toen hij naar een trainingskamp ging voor enkele van zijn grote gevechten.

“Ik heb altijd een goede arbeidsethos gehad," hij legde uit. 'Toen ik naar Worcester verhuisde 16 jaar oud, Ik woonde alleen: school-, werk, en dan naar de jongens & Girls Club om te trainen. Ik hield dezelfde arbeidsethos aan als ik had 19 toen ik pro werd. Ik werd vader bij 20, dus mijn gezin onderhouden was essentieel. Hoewel het moeilijk was, Ik wist dat boksen niet eeuwig zou duren, en ik had het geluk een goede baan te vinden bij de Commonwealth of Massachusetts Trial Courts. Het maakte lange dagen toen ik aan het trainen was, vooral toen ik vocht voor mijn wereldkampioenschappen of deze verdedigde. Uiteindelijk, hoewel, mijn baan behouden was de beste beslissing die ik voor mij en mijn gezin had kunnen nemen. ”

Rivera. die jarenlang Associate Court Officer was en vorig jaar promoveerde tot Assistant Chief Court Officer, is nog steeds betrokken bij boksen. Hij en zijn oudste zoon, A.J. Rivera, een bokspromotiebedrijf bezitten en exploiteren, Rivera Promotions Entertainment, om jonge strijders in zijn omgeving kansen te geven om vaker en thuis te vechten. Jose komt af en toe langs bij de jongens & Girls Club om zijn voormalige coaches te bezoeken, Garcia enRocky Gonzalez, om hun jonge talent te ondersteunen. Hij gaat ook naar zijn vriendKendrick BallIs een sportschool, Camp Be Right, om jonge strijders daar enkele tips te geven en in vorm te blijven (niet voor een nieuwe comeback).

Jose Antonio Rivera zal vooral bekend staan ​​om zijn taaiheid en vastberadenheid, wat hem in een ander leven leidde, waaronder drie wereldkampioenschappen en een geweldig leven dat hij nooit zou hebben genoten.

INFORMATIE:

www.usaboxing.orgi

Tjilpen: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

OVER USA BOKSEN:  De missie van USA Boxing is om de atleten en coaches van de Verenigde Staten in staat te stellen aanhoudende competitieve excellentie te bereiken, karakter ontwikkelen, steun de bokssport, en boksen in olympische stijl promoten en laten groeien in de Verenigde Staten. De verantwoordelijkheid van USA Boxing is niet alleen het produceren van Olympisch goud, maar houdt ook toezicht op en regelt elk aspect van amateur-boksen in de Verenigde Staten.

boksen, graniet Chin

3-tijd, 2-division world champion Jose Antonio Rivera returns with a bang KO winner in his first fight in 7 jaar

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HOMECOMING
Featuring the return of 3-time, 2-divisie wereldkampioen
“De Gallo” JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
Vrijdag, Augustus 17, 2018
The Palladium, Worcester, Massachusetts
Officiële resultaten
THE CHAMP IS BACK: referee Bob Benoit (L) en Jose Antonio Rivera

WORCESTER, Massa. (Augustus 19, 2018) – Seven years after his last fight, “De Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera returned to the ring in grand fashion last night (Zaterdag) aan de kop “Thuiskomst, presented by Granite Chin Promotions in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment, The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

The 45-year-old Rivera (42-6-1, 25 KO), 35 pounds lighter than he was in February when he started training, packed the house in his hometown, fully entertained his supportive fans. Drie-time, two-division world champion Rivera pressured Larry “Slomoshun: Smid (10-38-1, 7 KO) from the opening bell and he never let up.

 

 

 

It took a few rounds for Rivera to wear off the rust, but he fed Smith a steady diet of body shots, gradually breaking down his opponent, as he won round after round on points. Twice in the sixth round it looked like Smith was done, but the tough Texan showed a lot of heart to survive.

 

 

 

Eindelijk, Rivera closed the show in the seventh round, when Smith broke his hand in the fifth round and was unable to continue, kneeling in his corner, obviously in pain.

 

 

 

“I’ve always been tough,” Rivera said after the fight, “but I was a little rusty. He tested me early but, once he saw I wasn’t going anywhere and knew he was in for a fight. I started warming up in the fourth round. I was always a 12-round fighter. I didn’t know he broke his hand until after the fight. Ik voel me geweldig. We gave a good fight to the fans who have always supported me.”

 

 

 

“I give myself a C+ tonight. I’m going to talk with my family, but I’m thinking about one more fight, to make it 50 for his pro career).”

 

 

 

Jose Antonio Rivera (R) had a successful comeback fight

 

 

 

In de co-featured evenement, Worcester super middleweight Kendrick Ball, Jr. (10-1-2, 7 KO) demolished Fabian “El Lobo” Valdez (2-4), flooring him with a right uppercut and soon after finished him with a vicious body shot for a technical-knockout victory in the opening round. The popular Ball was fighting at home for the first time as a professional

 

 

 

The rematch between Worcester junior middleweight Khiary Gray (16-4, 12 KO) en Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-34, 4 KO) ended in the same fashion as their first encounter did three years ago. Also fighting at home for the first time, Gray blasted out his game opponent, cracking him with a picture-perfect, left-fight combination that put Fernandez on his back. Fernandez beat the count, but referee Bob Benoit halted the action.

 

 

Southbridge, MA junior middleweight Wilfredo “de Sucaro” Heidens (5-0, 3 KO) bleef ongeslagen, using a relentless body attack to drop Engelberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-15, 3 KO) drie keer, the last ending the fight midway through the third round.

 

 

 

Springfield, MA junior lightweight Joshua Orta (1-0, 1 KO) turned in an impressive pro debut in a barn-burner that ended when (1-8-1, 1 KO), van Worcester, was unable to continue fighting after the third round.

 

 

 

Worcester welterweight Eslih Owuso (1-0) pitched a shutout in his pro debut, decking veteran Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-31-2, 6 KO) twee keer in de tweede ronde, op weg naar een unaniem besluit te winnen.

 

 

 

In the opening bout of the night, 45-jaar oud Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (5-14-1, 2 KO) gedaald Patrick Leal (0-5) 10-seconden in de strijd, once more later in the opening round, and stopped him in the second. Oritz, fighting out of Springfield, MA by way of Puerto Rico, was fighting for the first time in five years, and he registered his first victory in seven.

Officiële resultaten hieronder:

 

Officiële resultaten

 

MAIN EVENT – Middleweights

Jose Antonio Rivera (42-6-1, 25 KO), Worcester, MA

WTKO 7 (1:07)

Larry Smith (10-38-1, 7 KO), Dallas, Texas

 

 

 

Co-functie – Super middleweights

Kendrick Ball, Jr. (10-1-2, 7 KO), Worcester, MA

WTKO1 (2:21)

Fabian Valdez (2-4, 0 KO), Cananea Sonora, Mexico

 

 

 

MIDDLWEIGHTS

Jose Angel Ortiz (5-13-1, 2 KO), Springfield, MA

WTKO2 (1:03)

Patrick Leal (0-5), Somerville, MA.

 

 

 

JUNIOR MIDDENGEWICHTEN

Khiary Gray (16-4, 12 KO), Worcester, MA

WTKO1 (2:27)

Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-34, 4 KO), Brockton, MA

 

 

 

Wilfredo Pagan (5-0, 3 KO), Southbridge, MA

WTKO3 (1:29)

Engelberto Valenzuela (11-15, 3 KO), Agua Prieta, Mexico

 

 

 

Welterweights

Eslih Owusu (1-0), Worcester, MA

WDEC4 (40-34, 40-35, 40-36)

Bryan Abraham (6-31-2, 6 KO), Schenectady, NY

 

 

 

 

JUNIOR LIGHTWEIGHTS

Joshua Orta 1-0, 1 KO), Springfield, MA

WTKO3 (3:00)

Edwin Rosado (1-8-1, 1 KO), Worcester, MA

 

 

 

 

Event sponsors included Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto Championsofhealth@USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings

Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57.

 

 

 

A portion of the proceeds was donated to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

INFORMATIE:

Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChinPromotions

Tjilpen: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

boksen, graniet Chin

Nieuw “Thuiskomst” opponent for headliner “De Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera

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HOMECOMING
Featuring the return of 3-time, 2-divisie wereldkampioen
“De Gallo” JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
Vrijdag, Augustus 17, 2018
The Palladium, Worcester, Massachusetts
Deze vrijdag night at The Palladium in Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Massa. (Augustus 15, 2018) – Drie-time, twee-divisie wereldkampioen “De Gallo” Jose Rivera has a new opponent for his comeback fight this Friday night in “Thuiskomst”, gepresenteerd door Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

The 45-year-old Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KO), who was matched against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan, didn’t find out until yesterday (Dinsdag) that Galvan had broken a finger the night before. Texas veteran Larry “Slomoshun” Smid (10-37-1, 7 KO) is the late replacement for Rivera in the eight-round main event.

 

 

 

“I am not a fan of late changes,” Rivera said, “but at this point it’s either that or no fight, and I’ve trained too hard not to fight.”

 

 

 

Rivera last fought in 2011, taking an eight-round decision over Paul Mpendo, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut.

 

 

 

The name of the event is “Thuiskomst” because five fighters in action are from Worcester, including three who’ve never fought there before as professionals.

 

 

 

Super middengewicht Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KO) en junior middengewicht Khiary Gray(15-4, 11 KO), both promoted by CES Boxing, will be fighting at home in Worcester as pros for the first time in a pair of six-round bouts. Ball faces Mexican Fabian “El Lobo” Valdez (2-3) in de co-featured event, while Gray (15-4, 11 KO) gezichten Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-33, 4 KO), of Brockton, MA, in a rematch of a fight won by Gray.

 

 

 

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts are Southbridge, MA weltergewicht Wilfredo “de Sucaro” Heidens (4-0, 2 KO) vs. Engelberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-14, 3 KO), Springfield’s (MA) pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-7-1, 1 KO), Worcester’s pro-debuting welterweight Eslih Owusu.vs. Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-30-2, 6 KO) en Springfield, MA weltergewicht Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) vs. Somerville’s (MA) Patrick Leal (0-4).

 

 

 

Alle gevechten en vechters zijn aan verandering.

 

 

 

Tickets, geprijsd op $75.00 (eerste rang) en $45.00 (algemene toelating), te koop en beschikbaar voor aankoop bij www.ThePalladium.net of het Palladium box office (alleen algemene toelating), of door contact Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) of een van de strijders.

 

 

 

Deuren open om 6 p.m. EN, eerste aanval 7 p.m. EN.

 

 

 

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto,Championsofhealth.USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).

 

 

 

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

 

INFORMATIE:

Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions

Tjilpen: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

boksen, graniet Chin

“De Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera “Thuiskomst” Open Workout Photo Gallery

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HOMECOMING
Featuring the return of 3-time, 2-divisie wereldkampioen
“De Gallo” JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
Vrijdag, Augustus 17, 2018
The Palladium, Worcester, Massachusetts
“De Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera
“Thuiskomst” Open Workout
Photo Gallery
De kampioen is terug – Jose Antonio Rivera
Photo Gallery below – all pictures courtesy of Cristian Nunez
WORCESTER, Massa. (Augustus 9, 2018) — Drie-time, twee-divisie wereldkampioen “De Gallo” Jose Rivera held an open workout yesterday at Camp Get Right in Worcester, MA, in preparation for his comeback fight Augustus 17, hemelbekleding “Thuiskomst, gepresenteerd door Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KO) headlines against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan (27-26-4, 10 KO) in de acht-ronde belangrijkste gebeurtenis.
The name of the event is “Thuiskomst” because five fighters in action are from Worcester, including three who’ve never fought there before as professionals: Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KO), junior middengewicht Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KO) en pro-debuut Eslih Owusu.
Bal, Jr. and Owusu, along with nearby Southbridge’s Wilfredo “El Sacaro” Heidens and Worcester’s Edwin Rosado, joined Rivera at last night’s open workout.
Tickets, geprijsd op $75.00 (eerste rang) en $45.00 (algemene toelating), te koop en beschikbaar voor aankoop bij www.ThePalladium.net of het Palladium box office (alleen algemene toelating), of door contact Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) of een van de strijders.
Deuren open om 6 p.m. EN, eerste aanval 7 p.m. EN.
Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, Championsofhealth.USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).
A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.
INFORMATIE:
Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions
Tjilpen: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera, @Granite_Chin

(L-R) — Co-promoter Chuck Shearns & Jose Antonio Rivera

Jose Antonio Rivera with Kendrick Ball, Jr. being interviewed in background

Jose Antonio Rivera

Jose Antonio Rivera
Kendrick Ball, Jr.
Kendrick Ball, Jr.
Kendrick Ball, Jr.
boksen, graniet Chin

“De Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera to headline “Thuiskomst”

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De kampioen is terug!
Augustus 17 The Palladium in Worcester, MA
“De Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera hitting the pads with his trainer Sean Fitzgerald

 

WORCESTER, Massa. (Juli 31, 2018) – A dozen years after he captured his third world title in two different weight classes, seven since his last fight, “De Gallo” Jose Rivera returns to the ring August 17 aan de kop “Thuiskomst”, gepresenteerd door Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) in association with Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

 

 

 

The 45-year-old Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KO) has already lost more than 30 pond, now within four pounds of his contracted weight, since he started training earlier this year. He will headline against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan (27-26-4, 10 KO) in de acht-ronde belangrijkste gebeurtenis.

 

 

 

In 1997, Rivera captured the International Boxing Organization (IBO) World welterweight title, stoppen Gilberto Flores in de tweede ronde. Six years later, he traveled to Germany to take on undefeated, woonplaats favoriet Michel Trabant (38-0) voor de vacante World Boxing Association (WBA) World Welterweight Championship, in which Rivera won a 12-round decision and the belt.

 

 

 

In front of nearly 10,000 hometown fans in Worcester, Rivera capped his boxing career by winning a 12-round unanimous decision in 2006 over defending champion Alejandro Garcia(25-1) for the WBA World super welterweight title.

 

 

 

“The idea to return to the ring started with my son. A.J., and I talking about chasing history,” Rivera uitgelegd. “We are not able to put that together right now (A.J. was born with Spina Bifida and he was unable to secure medical clearance in time for the Aug. 17th tonen.), but because of my hard work these last six months, I felt that it was only fitting to continue with my fight.

 

 

 

“Granite Chin Promotions has been very instrumental to make sure that this show is put together in the most professional manner possible. I won’t think our promotional company (Jos and A.J. own and operate RPE Promotions Entertainment) would have been able to pull this off. All the negotiations had to be done and me training the only way I know how, at a championship level, would have been too much for us to handle.”

 

 

 

Granite Chin-promoties’ co-promoter Chuck Shearns toegevoegd, “When Jose and I started talking about his ring return, I was the last person to think he was crazy. We were friends during his championship days and I know how incredibly committed and disciplined Jose is. Ik vocht bij 49 jaar oud, not to compare myself to the level Jose has been on, but I know that it can be done. What everyone should know is how well Jose has taken care of himself during his thirties and into his forties. Did I ever think that Chris (Traietti, GCP co-promoter) and I would be co-promoting Jose’s comeback? Niet Doen, but I’m happy to be involved and I will support him as far as he wants to take this. He’s been training like he’s 25 and Jose’s going to surprise some people.”

 

 

 

During Rivera’s title reigns, unlike other world champions, he also held a full-time job as a court officer in the Massachusetts Trial Court, a position in Worcester that he still holds 17 years later. Between working and training, never mind his family responsibilities, Jose somehow manages to balance everything in his extremely busy life.

 

 

 

“Let’s just say it makes for a busy schedule,” Rivera remarked. “I am committed to taking care of my family and will do whatever it takes. I usually run before work and train after work. Starting early and finishing late makes for busy days, but the job needs to get done. Op dit moment, I’m in the middle of the hardest period of training. The week of the fight is more about preparing mentally and making weight. There’s nothing you can do the week of the fight to help you get into better shape.”

 

 

 

Rivera isn’t under any illusions that his comeback will lead to another major world title. The plan is for him to have two more fights to reach a total of 50 als pro, but he’s taking things one fight at a time, and he still hopes his next fight, tentatively slated for later this year, will be on the same card as his son’s pro debut.

 

 

 

Rivera last fought in 2011, taking an eight-round decision over Paul Mpendo, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. The battle-tested Galvan, his Aug. 17th opponent from Indiana, has fought other world champions, Inclusief Zab Judah, Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., Jorge Paez en Paul Spadafora.

 

 

 

“I hear he comes to fight and that he likes to fool around a bit to try and get into his opponent’s head,” Rivera added. I’ve concentrated on me, my timing and focus on the game plan

 

 

 

“Training for this fight has been more mental than anything else. I have been able to reach peak performance at 45 training like I did in my prime. The most important thing is that, working with my trainer Sean Fitzgerald, I’ve been focused on making sure my timing gets better since it’s been seven years since I last fought.

 

 

 

“En, natuurlijk, it’s always a great feeling to box in front of my hometown fans. Their support is always appreciated.”

 

 

 

The name of the event is “Thuiskomst” because six fighters in action are from Worcester, including three who’ve never fought there before as professionals.

 

 

 

Middengewicht Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KO) en junior middengewicht Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KO), both promoted by CES Boxing, will be fighting at home in Worcester as pros for the first time in a pair of six-round bouts. Ball meets Demetrius Walker (8-21-2, 4 KO) in de co-featured event, while Gray (15-4, 11 KO) gezichten Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-33, 4 KO), of Brockton, MA, in a rematch of a fight won by Gray.

 

 

 

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts are Springfield, MA weltergewicht Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) vs. Seth Basler (0-8) and pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-7-1, 1 KO), Southbridge, MA weltergewicht Wilfredo “de Sucaro” Heidens (4-0, 2 KO) vs. TBA, and Worcester’s pro-debuting welterweight Eslih Owusu.vs. Bryan “The Brick” Abraham (6-30-2, 6 KO).

 

 

 

Alle gevechten en vechters zijn aan verandering.

 

 

 

Tickets, geprijsd op $75.00 (eerste rang) en $45.00 (algemene toelating), te koop en beschikbaar voor aankoop bij www.ThePalladium.net of het Palladium box office (alleen algemene toelating), of door contact Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) of een van de strijders.

 

 

 

Deuren open om 6 p.m. EN, eerste aanval 7 p.m. EN.

 

 

 

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto,Championsofhealth.USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).

 

 

 

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

 

INFORMATIE:

Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions

Tjilpen: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

boksen, graniet Chin

3-tijd, 2-division World Champion “De Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera Returns to ring for first time in 7 years on “Thuiskomst” kaart

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HOMECOMING
Featuring the return of 3-time, 2-divisie wereldkampioen
“De Gallo” JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
Vrijdag, Augustus 17, 2018
The Palladium, Worcester, Massachusetts
Father-son Jose Antonio & A.J. Rivera
“Making History”
World champion’s return & son’s pro debut
Augustus 17 The Palladium in Worcester, MA

(L-R) Edwin Rosado, Josh Orta, Eslih Owusu, Kendrick Ball, Jr., Jimmy Burchfield, Khiary Gray, Jose Antonio Rivera, A.J. Rivera, Chuck Shearns, Jose Angel Ortiz and Wilfredo Pagan

WORCESTER, Massa. (Juli 19, 2018) – Granite Chin-promoties (GCP) and Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE) hosted a press conference yesterday at The Ballot Box in Worcester, Massachusetts, to make a major announcement, as well as introduce local fighters on the August 17thpro boxing card at The Palladium in Worcester.

 

 

 

Drie-time, twee-divisie wereldkampioen “De Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera (41-6-1, 24 KO) is making his return in the “Making History” main event, in large part because he wanted to fight on the same card as his son, A.J. Rivera, who was to become the first pro boxer who was born with Spina Bifida. A.J., who is a rising matchmaker in New England, was unable to get medically cleared in time and he will not be fighting Aug. 17.

 

 

 

The event has been renamed, “Thuiskomst”, because six of the competing fighters, including Jose Antonio Rivera, live in Worcester.

 

 

 

“Helaas,” announced promoter Chuck Shearns, who co-promotes Granite Chin Promotions with Chris Traietti, “A.J. isn’t fighting on this show because he couldn’t get medically cleared in time.”

 

 

 

“I trained hard and was within five or six pounds of my contract weight,” a disappointed A.J. Rivera uitgelegd. “I passed all of the medical tests except for the CATSCAN. I fought the doctor a little and said I wanted a second opinion. Those results won’t be in time, so I can’t fight on this card.”

 

 

 

“The reason I’m coming back was to make history with my son,” Jose Antonio Rivera added. “We had talked about it a long time but, jammer genoeg, it wasn’t meant to be for A.J. for this card. He’s already part of history already as the only fighter born with Spina Bifida who fought as an amateur. I feel bad, but everything happens for a reason and as a father, my son’s safety always comes first. He will continue to be an important part of our team to make our company a success. People are thrown curveballs in life like this and we’ve regrouped to turn this into a positive. We’re still fighting for the cause (Spina Bifida).”

 

 

 

Nu 45 jaar oud, Rivera has already lost more than 30 pond, and he is within eight of his contracted weight for his eight-round fight against Ruben “Modern Day Warrior” Galvan (27-26-4, 10 KO).

 

 

 

In 1997, Rivera captured the International Boxing Organization (IBO) World welterweight title, stoppen Gilberto Flores in de tweede ronde. Six years later, he traveled to Germany to take on undefeated, woonplaats favoriet Michel Trabant (38-0) voor de vacante World Boxing Association (WBA) World Welterweight Championship, in which Rivera won a 12-round decision and the belt.

 

 

 

Twee gevechten later, in front of nearly 10,000 hometown fans in Worcester, Rivera won a 12-round unanimous decision in 2006 over defending champion Alejandro Garcia (25-1) for the WBA World super welterweight title.

 

 

 

Middengewicht Kendrick Ball, Jr. (9-1-2, 6 KO) en junior middengewicht Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KO), both promoted by CES Boxing, will be making their pro debuts at home in Worcester. Ball faces an opponent to be determined in the six-round co-featured event, while Gray (15-4, 11 KO) voldoet aan Antonio Chaves Fernandez (9-33, 4 KO), of Brockton, MA, also in a six rounder.

 

 

 

Undefeated light heavyweight prospect Richard “Popeye de matroos” Rivera (8-0, 7 KO), fighting out of Hartford, CT, is slated to fight in a six-round bout vs. TBA, as well as his stable mate, two-time New England Golden Gloves champion “De uitverkorene” Sharad Collier (1-0, 1 KO), who takes on his Mexican opponent, Emmanuel “Pollo” Valadez (5-4, 4 KO), in a four-round match.

 

 

 

Also scheduled to fight on the undercard in four-round bouts are Springfield, MA weltergewicht Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) vs. Seth Basler (0-8) and pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-7-1, 1 KO), Southbridge, MA weltergewicht Wilfredo “de Sucaro” Heidens (4-0, 2 KO) vs. TBA, Worcester lightweight Francisco Irizarry (4-0, 2 KO) vs. TBA, Worcester’s pro-debuting lightweight Eslih Owusu.vs. Mexicaans Engelberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-14 (3 KO).

 

 

 

Alle gevechten en vechters zijn aan verandering.

 

 

 

Tickets, geprijsd op $75.00 (eerste rang) en $45.00 (algemene toelating), te koop en beschikbaar voor aankoop bij www.ThePalladium.net of het Palladium box office (alleen algemene toelating), of door contact Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) of een van de strijders.

 

 

 

Deuren open om 6 p.m. EN, eerste aanval 7 p.m. EN.

 

 

 

Event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Elm Wealth Group, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, Championsofhealth@USANA.com, Chieftain Liquors, Centro Las America, Baystate Savings Bank, Pamela Laporte Realty, Worcester Vocero, ChrisFIT Xperience and Grille 57 (hosting the official weigh in and after party).

 

 

 

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

 

 

PERSCONFERENTIE QUOTES

 

Joe Antonio Rivera: “I want to thank everybody for coming. Tomorrow is four weeks to the weigh in. It’s an important date because fighting is easy, making weight isn’t. I want to thank Granite Chin Promotions

 

 

 

“Four Worcester fighters (Bal, Gray, Irizarry and Owusu) on this card have never fought here. It’s huge having Kendrick and Khiary on this card and I’d like to thank CES Boxing for allowing them to fight here. I’m proud of Kendrick and Khiary and excited to have them fighting on this show. Chuck and Granite Chin are running this show, I’m only focused on my opponent.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to have an opponent who is coming to fight. He’s my third opponent, but that’s part of boxing. Ik ben hard trainen, passed my medicals, and it’s like I’m hungry again. I haven’t fought in years, but I’ve taken good care of my body. I didn’t visualize doing this at 45. I’ve also heard that, after August 17th, there’s a possibility of a title for me by the end of this year.”

 

Chuck Shearns (GCP co-promoter): “I’m honored to be involved in this show. Jose and I have been friends for years. Months ago, this all started with a text conversation (Chuck, Jose and A.J.). A week later, it started getting serious, and then we had Jose and A.J. fighting on this card. Helaas, A.J. isn’t fighting on this card, but the show will go on.”

 

Jimmy Burchfield (CES promoter): “What’s important is that Jose Antonio Rivera is fighting on this card and that’s why I’m allowing ‘Pepper’ (Bal) and Khiary to fight on this card. I’ve had a good relationship with Chuck and I’ve known Jose and A.J., who worked for me, for a long time. Nothing was happening in Worcester boxing for years, until Jose and A.J. started promoting here, but Worcester has always been a good fight town. All the fighters here will be proud of your victory. Dit is mooi! They’ve been around him and know what he’s accomplished in life. Jose has never abused his body, he’s taken good care of himself.

 

 

 

“We (CES Boksen) had an event scheduled August 17th at Twin River (Lincoln, RI), but we moved from that date, and now everything is focused August 17th on Worcester. How could I not have my Worcester fighters on Jose Rivera’s comeback card? ‘Pepper’ and Khiary really wanted to fight on this card. These kids (fighters seated at head table) look up to Jose for what he’s done and in life and his comeback is a really big story. I know what ‘Pepper” and Khiary are going to do and I know what Jose is going to do because he’s a veteran. I believe this will be a sell out!”

 

Kendrick Ball, Jr.: “I want to thank my promoter, Jimmy Burchfield, for giving me the okay to fight on this card. I also want to thank Granite Chin Promotions and Rivera Promotions Entertainment. I’ve waited for this a long time. This fight will give me a chance to redeem myself and show why I’m the next great middleweight to come out of Worcester. I’m ready to get it on.”

 

Khiary Gray: “I want to thank Rivera Promotions Entertainment, CES Boxing and Granite Chin Promotions for giving me a chance to fight at home for the first time. This is a rematch for me. I stopped him in the first round, but there was some controversy. I know he’s coming to fight.”

 

Eslih Owusi: “I just graduated from high school and I wasn’t going to turn pro until after that. Fighting as a pro will be much more exciting than in the amateurs.”

 

Jose Angel Ortiz: “Ik ben zeer enthousiast. I haven’t fought in two years. I was supposed to return before, but things didn’t work out. I never left boxing because I’m in the gym all the time working out or training other fighters. Jose and I are both in our forties. We’re going to show everybody that we can still fight.”

 

Edwin Rosado: “I will try and put on the best show I can.”

 

Joshua Orta: “I’m very happy about my first pro fight. I’ve dreamed of this day. Everybody is going to see an exciting card. I love this sport and always train hard.”

 

INFORMATIE:

Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions

Tjilpen: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

boksen, graniet Chin

Father-son Jose Antonio & A.J. Rivera “Making History” World champion’s return & son’s pro debut

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MAKING HISTORY
Featuring the return of 3-time, 2-divisie wereldkampioen
“De Gallo” JOSE ANTONIO RIVERA
Zaterdag, Augustus 17, 2018
The Palladium, Worcester, Massachusetts
Augustus 17 The Palladium in Worcester, MA
(L-R): A.J. en Jose Antonio Rivera

 

WORCESTER, Massa. (Juni 20, 2018) — This past Father’s Day was considerably different for three-time, twee-divisie wereldkampioen “De Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera and his pro-debuting son, A.J. Rivera, because they will be “Making History,” presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment and Granite Chin Promotions, Augustus 17 at The Palladium.

 

 

 

Rivera and his son, respectievelijk, are the promoter and matchmaker for Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), die mede zal promoten “Making History” with Granite Chin Promotions (GCP).

 

 

 

“We are excited to be teaming up with GCP for this historic boxing event,” Jose commented. “We have had the pleasure of working with Chris (Traietti) and Chuck (Shearns) in the past. We are grateful that they are able to work with us again to make sure we put together a great boxing event.”

 

 

 

The Riveras will become the first world-champion father-son combination to fight on a pro show that is promoted by their company. More significantly, A.J. will become the first pro boxer to be born with Spina Bifida.

 

 

 

Nu 45 jaar oud, Rivera is making his second comeback, but this time it’s solely to fight on the same card as his son. Due to a variety of reasons, “De Gallo” retired from the ring in 2008, but he came back in 2011 for two fights, both victories, before hanging up his gloves again.

 

 

 

In 1997, Rivera captured the International Boxing Organization (IBO) World welterweight title, stoppen Gilberto Flores in de tweede ronde. Six years later, he traveled to Germany to take on undefeated, woonplaats favoriet Michel Trabant (38-0) voor de vacante World Boxing Association (WBA) World Welterweight Championship, in which Rivera won a 12-round decision and the belt.

 

 

 

Twee gevechten later, in front of nearly 10,000 hometown fans in Worcester, Rivera won a 12-round unanimous decision over defending champion Alejandro Garcia (25-1) for the WBA World super welterweight title.

 

 

 

“I am boxing at 45 years old because of this great opportunity that has arisen for my son and I,” Jose explained. “Boxing on the same card with my son is going to be exciting and, even more so, because we will be a part of history! I am fortunate to be healthy, fysiek, and I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for not having any brain issues from my prior years of boxing. I’ve lost 20 pond, dusver, and need to lose 12 more to make the 160-pound weight class.

 

 

 

“I am not sure how the night of the fight is going to go. I play it in my head over and over about how I would like it to go, maar op het einde, I’m confident we will both be ready for tough fights because of the hard work we’re both putting in at the gym.

 

 

 

“Fan response has been good, positive and supportive of what we both are doing and attempting to accomplish. To look back at the day I was told my son was going to be born with Spina Bifida, preparing myself mentally for the worse, en nu 25 years later here we are close to fulfilling his childhood dream. Het is geweldig! I feel blessed to share this moment with my son. I am also happy that we can do this in front of our family, vrienden & fans in our City of Worcester, where my son was born, and I was raised since I moved there when I was 16.”

 

 

 

op augustus. 17, Rivera will face battle-tested middleweight Ryan “Dangerous” Davis (24-19, 9 KO), fighting out of East Saint Louis, Illinois, in de acht-ronde belangrijkste gebeurtenis. Davis has been in with the iron, including six-time, twee divisie wereldkampioen Zab Judah, former International Boxing Federation (IBF) wereldkampioen Ishe Smith, two-time world title challenger and 2004 US Olympian Vances Martirosyan, wereldkampioen titel uitdager Jonathan Reid, reigning International Boxing Association (IBA) world junior middleweight champion Mark DeLuca, plus other notables such as Rob Brant, Mikael Zewski, Carlos Bojorquez en Dominik Britsch.

 

 

 

 

Twenty-five-year-old A.J. will fight an opponent to be determined in a four-round welterweight match. He is a graduate of Johnson & Wales with a major in sports management, who has quickly become one of the most respected matchmakers in New England.

 

 

 

A.J. grew-up in a gym, watching his father train, and he also fought as an amateur boxer. “I’ve always wanted to fight as a pro and what better way than to make my pro debut on the same card headlined by my pops,” Rivera said. “This is a one and done, I’m not going to box as a career and, hopefully I will leave the ring on August 17th and retire undefeated. I plan to make matchmaking a career. I can stay in the sport I’ve always loved and matchmake for our company and for other promoters.

 

 

 

“I was born with Spina Bifida. A layer of skin covered a hole in my back, preventing water from getting in, which would have damaged my system and left me paralyzed, unable to speak and with a shunt in my head to drain fluid. The doctors told my parents that, if I survived, I’d only live to be 19, in a wheelchair and a little autistic. I had surgery the next day and my pops kept hope. As I got older, I played basketball, voetbal, baseball and boxed. I was inactive for seven years when I went away to school and started matchmaking.”

 

 

 

In addition to sacrificing to make weight, instead of having a Father’s Day cookout, he watched what he ate and, natuurlijk, workout with his father in the gym to prepare for his pro debut.

 

 

 

 

“I wasn’t able to celebrate my 25th anniversary on June 2 beide,” A.J. toegevoegd. “I plan to celebrate my birthday and Father’s Day when I step out of the ring on August 17th. Vervolgens, I’ll go back to focusing on my craft and become a full-time matchmaker.”

 

 

 

Red-hot Richard “Popeye de matroos” Rivera (8-0, 7 KO), fighting out of Hartford, CT, will be showcased in the eight-round co-featured event. Rivera is the reigning UBF All Americans light heavyweight and ABF International cruiserweight champion.

 

 

 

Schedule to fight on the undercard in separate bouts are Worcester junior middleweight Khiary Gray (15-4, 11 KO), promoted by CES Boxing, Danbury, CT junior welterweight Omar “Het Beest” Bordoy, Jr. (6-0, 2 KO), Springfield, MA weltergewicht Jose Angel “KO” Ortiz (4-13-1, 1 KO) and pro-debuting featherweight Joshua Orta, Southbridge, MA weltergewicht Wilfredo “de Sucaro” Heidens (4-0, 2 KO), Worcester lightweight Francisco Irizarry (4-0, 2 KO) and pro-debuting lightweight Eslih Owusu.

 

 

 

Opponents will soon be announced. Alle gevechten en vechters zijn aan verandering.

 

 

 

Tickets, geprijsd op $75.00 (eerste rang) en $45.00 (algemene toelating), te koop en beschikbaar voor aankoop bij www.ThePalladium.net of het Palladium box office (alleen algemene toelating), of door contact Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) of een van de strijders.

 

 

 

Deuren open om 6 p.m. EN, eerste aanval 7 p.m. EN.

 

 

 

Event sponsors include Lundgren Hondo, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto, USANA, Chieftain Liquors and ChrisFIT Xperience.

 

 

 

A portion of the proceeds will go to Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England.

INFORMATIE:

Facebook.com: /RiveraPromotionsEntertainment, /GraniteChin Promotions

Tjilpen: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_, @Granite_Chin

boksen, Rivera Promotions

Former national amateur champion Bobby Harris III breaking out of shadow cast by his father with a little help from his friends

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Oktober 28 in Worcester, MA
(L-R) – voorkant: Bobby Harris III holding Bobby Harris IV and A.J. Rivera; achterkant: Bobby Harris and Jose Antonio Rivera
WORCESTER, Massa. (Oktober 2, 2017) – Local prospect Bobby “BH3” Harris III is ready to breakout of the shadows cast by his father, retired pro boxer Bobby Harris, beginnend Zaterdag nacht, Oktober 28, in the fourth and final 2017 installment of the popular professional boxing series, “New England's Future”, op het DCU Center (Exhibition Hall) in Worcester, Massachusetts.
“New England’s Future 4” is presented by Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), which is owned and operated by retired three-time, twee divisie wereldkampioen Jose Antonio Rivera en zijn zoon, Anthonee (A.J.) Rivera.
“BH3” and A.J. grew-up together in gyms as sons of pro fighters. They had dreams of making it in boxing, which has come to fruition with “BH3” de stijgende vooruitzicht, A.J. the president and matchmaker for RPE. Af en toe, hoewel, what’s transpired may be somewhat surreal for both young men.
“I grew up in boxing,” Bobby Harris III explained. “My father always brought me to the gym and his fights. My uncle, Adam Harris, was also a pro boxer. My father and Jose were super close, me and A.J. grew-up as brothers. The same blood couldn’t make us any closer. It’s me and AJ. My first amateur fight was when I was 13. A.J. used to run and workout with me. I’d go to his house after school and sleep over on weekends. We planned our lives together in boxing; my job is to fight and A.J. promotes and makes matches.”
“I remember growing up with Bobby as my brother,” A.J. toegevoegd. “We did everything together: ran, trained, sparred and pushed each other to our greatest limits. He’s grown so much over the years. His natural ability, mixed with years of experience, and Bobby growing into a man will surely lead to him being world champion one day. I’m truly proud and excited to see our childhood plan unfold.”
“BH3” only had about 40 amateur matches but the large majority were at the national level. He is a two-time national amateur champion, including a gold-medal performance in the USA National Championships, and as a member of Team USA, he was rated No. 1 in de V.S, en nr. 2 in de wereld.
The 21-year-old decided to turn pro earlier this year, rather than wait for a shot at the Olympics, after discussing his options with his father, as well as Jose and A.J. Rivera, plus his head trainer, Rocky Gonzalez. Worcester boxers such as Jermaine Ortiz en Irvin Gonzalez turning pro, along with the arrival of now 8-month-old Bobby Harris IV, were key factors in his decision to become a professional boxer. “I didn’t want to waste another year,” Bobby admitted. “Turning pro now will get me into rankings earlier. The time was right”
Bobby’s father was a 4-time national amateur champion as a super heavyweight who compiled a 20-2-1 (13 KO) pro record between 1993 en 1999. Vandaag, he is an important member of his son’s corner, but he did leave a shadow cast over his son, especially across New England.
“People will always compare me with my dad, in de ring, maar, as good as he was, it’s a great honor to be his son,” Bobby Harris III remarked. “It’s been nothing but good for me. He trained with fighters like (Oscar) De La Hoya, (Shane) Mosley, (Evander) Holyfield and so many other great fighters. We are different, hoewel. and now I’m establishing my own identity. The sport has changed so much since he fought. Back then it was mostly two guys beating each other up, not as much of a performance. I like to put on a good performance and have people say, ‘He’s cool, and when does he fight again. My dad has told me how different boxing is today compared to when he fought. Nu, marketing is so important for fighters, and a lot of exposure is through social media.
“My father was a heavyweight, I’m going to go down to 154 (junior middengewicht. He is so much bigger, taller and heavier than I am, so fighting in different weight classes separates us. I’m a different style fighter, ook. I’m more active than him. So that people don’t confuse us when talking, I came up with ‘BH3’ as my persona. We are different in and out of the ring.”
“I have known Little Bobby (as I call him) since he was born,” Jose Rivera noted. “He calls me, Tio (uncle) Jose, and I love him like a member of my family. I am happy and proud to see little Bobby go after his dreams and goals his way and on his terms. I wouldn’t want it any other way. My son, A.J., and I are happy that we can use our RPE company to be able to help little Bobby pursue his dreams and goals. Worcester – and soon enough the rest of the world – will know it’s BH3 Time!”
“BH3” turned pro this past Juni 10, in his Worcester hometown, taking a four-round unanimous decision (40-36 X 3) over an awkward opponent, Rodrigo Almeida, who seemed more interested in survival, often frustrating “BH3” with his constant holding.
“I’m happy with the way that fight went because I learned so much,” Bobby commented. “I was so excited with all the hype about my pro debut, and I was into the crowd trying for the knockout. I learned that I need to take my time, veel plezier, throw combinations and that the knockout will come. Dad liked to jab, I like to hit and run like ‘Suiker’ Straal (Leonard). My first pro fight wasn’t really me. I’m the matador but I can fight like a bull if the opportunity comes to me. I can change things around but I forgot to have fun in my pro debut.”
“BH3” plans to breakout from his father’s shadow in his Oct. 28th fight against New Yorker Troy Omer “KO Artist” kunstenaar (3-7-1, 2 KO), contested at a 164-pound catchweight, in een vier-ronde Bout.
Former WBU Americans and IBU North American cruiserweight champion Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (16-1-1, 15 KO), fighting out of Pembroke (MA), will face an opponent to be determined in the eight-round main event.
Former UFC heavyweight title challenger Gabriel “Napao” Gonzaga will make his pro boxing debut in a four-round match against Washington D.C. zwaargewicht Alando Pugh (1-10-1, 1 KO).
De “New England’s Future 4” undercard features many of the best and most popular N.E. strijders, inclusief 2016 GEEN VAN BEIDE. Golden Gloves kampioen Anthony Laureano (4-0, 2 KO), a promising welterweight from East Hartford (CT), who faces Clifton Rashad Thames (3-2-1), of Oklahoma City, in een zes-round wedstrijd.
Other undercard fights, all four-rounders, omvatten 2014 GEEN VAN BEIDE. Golden Gloves kampioen Adrian “Tonka” Sosa (4-0, 3 KO), uitvechten van de nabijgelegen Lawrence (MA), vs. veteran Norwalk (CT) weltergewicht Shakha Moore (12-23-3, 2 KO), New Haven (CT) Edwin Soto (10-2-2, 4 KO) vs. Anthony Everett (1-6). van Lawrence, at a 150-pounds catch-weight, three-time USA Boxing Nationals champion Elvis Figueroa (2-0, 1 KO), van New Haven (CT), vs. Anthony Bowman (11-63-2, 3 KO). Richard “Popeye de matroos” Rivera (3-0, 2 KO), van Hartford (CT), vs. Hansen Castillo (0-2), at a 180-pounds catch-weight, Southbridge (MA) junior weltergewicht Wilfredo “de Sucaro” Heidens (2-0) vs. Oscar Diaz (0-12), van Hartford, and Danbury (CT) junior weltergewicht Omar Bordoy, Jr. (2-0) vs. Alan Beeman (0-15), of Providence.
Alle gevechten en vechters zijn aan verandering.
Tickets, geprijsd op $75.00 (eerste rang) en $45.00 (algemene toelating), are on sale and available to purchase at the DCU Center box office, www.dcu.centerworcester.com, by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954), AJ Rivera
(anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) of een van de strijders
Deuren open om 6:30 p.m., eerste aanval 7:00 p.m. EN.
Sponsors zijn onder andere Lundgren Honda, Championsofhealth.usna.com, and American Pyramids.
Part of the proceeds will go to Worcester Latino Dollars For Scholars.
INFORMATIE:
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Tjilpen: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp @KingRivera_