On May 14, 2005, everyone will eagerly await the big showdown between Felix “Tito” Trinidad and Ronald “Winky” Wright. The chief supporting bout is a 147-pound tilt between undisputed champion Zab “Super” Judah and Cosme “Chino” Rivera. COSME WHO?!? Many of you fight fans have probably never heard of Rivera and are wondering how he got the right to fight for the titles? Must be another one of those “mandatory challengers” that the alphabet soup has put in there as a sacrificial lamb right? If that is what most of you are thinking, you are WRONG! I had the privilege of seeing Cosme fight live, and was impressed. By no means am I saying that Rivera is an amazing boxer that has just flown under the radar, as his less than stellar record of 28-7-2 with 20 KOs is proof, but he is not without skills or credentials.

“Chino” is a tough, savvy veteran fighter that has learned on the job. With not much of an amateur background, Rivera found himself having to always take the role of “opponent,” being brought in to fight against guys that were trying to pad their records, or trying to get what is referred to in the business as a “stay busy” win. As many of these fighters found out, they were sadly mistaken. Cosme is undefeated in his last seven bouts, including wins over Wilfredo Negron, Golden Johnson, James Hare (undefeated at the time and considered a solid prospect), and Hercules Kyvelos, and seems to be hitting his prime.

He is a solid fighter that, although not great at any one area of the game, is very well rounded. “Chino” has good power in both fists, has a very consistent jab, and uses feints effectively to set up his money punch, which is a solid straight right hand. Also, Rivera is an excellent inside fighter and a very underrated body puncher. Add to that the fact that he seems to have a sturdy chin, as he has never been down in his career, and you have a guy that can really cause Judah trouble.

Rivera is the underdog, as he should be against Zab, and will really have to fight the perfect fight to beat him. The thing is that Judah does have a history of losing his focus and, if he takes this rugged Mexican fighter lightly, don’t be surprised to see an upset. Still, regardless of what happens, I am glad to see that “Chino,” who has really earned it, is getting his shot.

So fight fans, come Saturday night, make sure you see this fight as Rivera may surprise you with his skills. If “Super” Judah sleeps on this guy, he will find himself asleep in the ring.

Sergio Martinez can be reached at srg_mrtnz@yahoo.com

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