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Richard Rivera vs. Ben Whittaker
Set For June 27 In Brooklyn, NY
Star Boxing proudly announces that rising light heavyweight
contender Richie "Popeye" Rivera (27-2, 20 KOs) will take on
unbeaten British star Ben "The Surgeon" Whittaker (11-0-1, 8
KOs) on Saturday, June 27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn,
New York for the WBC Silver Lightheavyweight Championship.
The appealing showdown will take place as part of a
blockbuster night of boxing headlined by Jaron Ennis vs.
Xander Zayas, placing Rivera on one of the sport’s biggest
stages in a matchup that could have major implications in
the light heavyweight division.
Known for his toughness, multi-faceted style, and
fan-friendly charisma, Rivera has built a reputation as one
of the most colorful characters and exciting fighters in the
division. The Hartford native now gets the opportunity to
make the biggest statement of his career against one of
boxing’s most talked-about young talents in Whittaker.
Rivera will be in his biggest fight since a disputed split
decision loss against multi-divisional world champ Badou
Jack in Saudi Arabia on the undercard of the World
Heavyweight unification rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and
Anthony Joshua in August 2022.
Whittaker enters the bout with growing momentum after a
spectacular first-round knockout over Brian Suarez in his
most recent appearance further cementing his reputation as
one of boxing’s most electrifying young talents. The Olympic
silver medalist has drawn attention worldwide with his
speed, confidence, and showmanship, but Rivera plans to
bring a level of pressure, determination and expierence
unlike anything Whittaker has faced as a professional.
“I am really excited to make my American debut in the Big
Apple on such a big card,” said Whittaker. "I’ve got a lot
of love for the American fans, and we’ve developed a great
relationship over recent years, so I can’t wait to get out
there and put on a spectacular performance for them.”
“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.
Richie Rivera has stepped up to the plate and delivered
before, and we look forward to seeing him perform on the big
stage again,” said Joe DeGuardia, President of Star Boxing.
“We’re happy to give him this opportunity, and Richie has
made it clear he’ll bring his very best on fight night
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.
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