Richard Rivera vs Ben Whittaker On DAZN!
(June 21st) When Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing signed Richie Rivera, they believed the hard-hitting Connecticut light heavyweight possessed the talent and determination to compete on boxing's biggest stages. Now, with just seven days remaining until June 27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Rivera (27-2, 20 KOs) gets another opportunity to prove that belief was well founded as he takes on one of boxing's brightest young stars.
Known throughout the boxing world as "Popeye The Sailor Man," Rivera has forged his reputation the hard way. The Hartford, Connecticut native turned professional in 2017 and quickly established himself as one of New England's most reliable and entertaining attractions, combining fan-friendly power with relentless determination. Rivera has scored 20 knockouts in his 27 victories and has consistently proven willing to face difficult challenges whenever opportunity knocks.
For many fans, Rivera is best remembered for his 2022 showdown with former two-division world champion Badou Jack. In a fiercely contested battle on one of boxing's biggest stages, Rivera pushed Jack to the limit before dropping a controversial split decision in a bout marred by a round that went three minutes and fifty-eight seconds. The fight showcased Rivera's toughness and demonstrated that he belonged among the sport's elite.
Now 35 years old, Rivera enters perhaps the most important fight of his career against undefeated British sensation and Olympic Silver Medalist Ben "The Surgeon" Whittaker (11-0, 8 KOs). While many view Whittaker as a future world champion and millions of his social media followers are mesmerized by his in-ring antics, Rivera sees something different: an opportunity. After spending years climbing through the ranks and overcoming setbacks, "Popeye" arrives in Brooklyn determined to spoil the plans of one of boxing's most talked-about prospects.
The nickname that has followed Rivera throughout his career originated from his unusually large forearms as a young boxer. Rather than shy away from it, he embraced the persona, and Popeye's identity is part of his unique brand, often sporting his trademark sailor cap and pipe. Much like the cartoon character himself, Rivera has built his career on resilience, persistence, and a refusal to back down from any challenge.
On June 27, under the bright lights of Barclays Center, Richie Rivera gets another chance to prove he belongs on boxing's biggest stage. For Ben Whittaker, it's another step toward championship contention. For Rivera, it's an opportunity to turn years of hard work into the signature victory of his career.
“The British are coming, the British are coming! If Ben Whittaker thinks he is coming into my backyard to make a statement, history will repeat itself," said Rivera. “I won't need a can of spinach for this fight. Ben Whittaker might have the boxing world fooled, but I'm not convinced" added "Popeye" referencing the spinach tied to his nickname.
The compelling showdown will take place as part of a blockbuster night of boxing headlined by Jaron "Boots" Ennis and Xander Zayas, placing Rivera on one of boxing's biggest stages in a matchup that could have major implications in the light heavyweight division.
With two undefeated stars headlining the card and a compelling U.S. vs. U.K. showdown between Rivera and Whittaker added to the lineup, June 27 at Barclays Center is shaping up to be one of the summer's biggest nights in boxing. For Rivera, it represents the opportunity to author the signature victory of his career.
For more on Richard Rivera vs Ben Whittaker & the Jaron "Boots" Ennis and Xander Zayas card (click here).
ABOUT STAR BOXING: Star Boxing, Inc. has been in operation since 1992. Founded by Joe DeGuardia, its President and CEO, Star Boxing has worked to produce some of the most exciting and memorable boxing events in recent history. Star has continued to work with and develop a number of very exciting world champions, world-rated contenders and young prospects. Star has consistently brought credibility, integrity, and exciting fights to the boxing industry.
Star Boxing is among the highest regarded and most rapidly expanding boxing organizations in the country. Its premier stature is reinforced by its ability to develop talent and maintain a high profile within the industry and with its broadcast affiliates. Star Boxing regularly stages and televises premium quality boxing matches throughout the world. The swift ascendancy of Star Boxing is largely attributable to the sporting expertise and innovative business vision of the organization’s founder and President, Joe DeGuardia. As the son of a professional prizefighter, DeGuardia can truly boast a lifetime association with the sport of boxing. DeGuardia grew up in the Bronx, learning boxing at his father’s neighborhood boxing gym. He fought his first official bout at the age of nine, and won the Golden Gloves Welterweight crown in 1988, one year before his graduation from law school. Following his admission to the bar, DeGuardia joined the Bronx District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor. He then went on to develop a successful, Bronx-based independent law practice. Notwithstanding his work as a lawyer, DeGuardia always remained professionally active in the boxing world. This involvement became a full-time dedication in 1990, when he took over management of the Morris Park Boxing Club from his father. In his new capacity as chief operator of the club, DeGuardia transformed the business into one of the busiest boxing gyms in New York, while also using it as a base from which to launch his larger business as a top boxing entrepreneur. Star Boxing, the organization that evolved out of DeGuardia’s broad experience in the boxing industry, works on a flexible business model which enables DeGuardia to develop and promote both exclusive boxing events and boxers, as well as to put together joint-sponsorship events with other major promoters. Thus, there are many different components to his portfolio of promotional ventures. Recently, Star Boxing events have been among the highest grossing, most successful events in boxing, further solidifying its position as one of the most reputable companies in the sport. Among Star’s promoted fighters and events, the Antonio Tarver vs. Roy Jones Jr. trilogy was one of the most successful trilogies in boxing history, generating over 50 million in revenue. Star Boxing shows have been broadcast on both internationally and nationally on Pay-Per-View, HBO, Showtime, ESPN, HDNet, Telemundo and MSG, as well as on the internet, through collaborative efforts with GoFightLive.TV. Through his leadership of Star Boxing, DeGuardia has secured a reputation as among the youngest and most dynamic first-tier promoters in the business. In addition to the guidance of DeGuardia, Star has several high-level industry executives, including matchmaker Ron Katz who is widely considered one of the best matchmakers of all time. Star Boxing is also a proud member of the Boxing Promoters Association (BPA), which was formed in 2009, and is made up of over thirty of the top US Promoters. The BPA was the brainchild of DeGuardia, and his efforts in forming the organization were recognized by the fellow BPA Members, who elected DeGuardia President of the Association. Star Boxing will continue with groundbreaking shows and concepts in the years ahead, as it continues its role as an innovative leader in the exciting world of boxing.
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