Boxing News

Tag: RICHIE

  • STAR BOXING RE-SIGNS TOP WORLD RATED LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA

    STAR BOXING RE-SIGNS TOP WORLD RATED LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA


    White Plains, New York (July 26, 2023) – Star Boxing head, JOE DEGUARDIA is pleased to announce the re-signing of top world rated light heavyweight, RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (25-1 19KO’S) to a new promotional agreement.

    Popeye was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, and boasts an impressive record of 25-1 with 19 wins by way of knockout. Rivera is currently world rated #6 (WBA), #6 (WBO-Cruiserweight), #8 (WBC) and #11 (IBF). Being rated in the top 15 by each sanctioning body has Popeye within reaching distance of a world title shot.

    RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA has this to say about the re-signing, “I want to start by saying thank you to Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for the opportunity. I’m looking forward for what’s to come and as I stated after the Badou Jack fight, ‘I will be a World Champion’ and I’m confident Star Boxing will help me achieve that goal !”

    “I am excited to continue to work with Joe DeGuardia and the Star Boxing team,” said Rivera’s new manager NATE TORRES. “Richie is currently world rated in the four major sanctioning bodies. It’s only a matter of time. Popeye will get his shot at the world title very soon and we are confident when the opportunity comes, he will become the next light heavyweight champion of the world.”

    Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had these comments about the re-signing, “Richie is about as charismatic as they come. He doesn’t just go by the ‘Popeye’ moniker, but he lives it, always with his sailor hat, and pipe. We are excited to continue our relationship with Richie, and know that with his current world ratings, his desire to fight and fight often, and his abilities, there are some major fights on the horizon for him.”

    Rivera has built a loyal fan base in the New England region and grew his audience while training and fighting in Puerto Rico, where his family roots were originally laid.

    Rivera’s most notable fight was this past August in Saudi Arabia, against three-time world champion and current WBC World Cruiserweight Champion, Badou Jack. Rivera was shocking Badou Jack and fans around the world when the 8th round unimaginably continued beyond the normal 3 minutes, for an additional and improper 58 seconds, seconds after Rivera was tagged with a solid blow. The illegal extra time clearly aided Jack, who forced Rivera into the corner and landed a heavy left hand, followed by a barrage of punches. Rivera made it out of the inexplicable 4-minute round, but that added time to the round altered the scoring as the judges gave the 8th to Jack, thus swinging the outcome of the fight, awarding the decision to Jack won via an extremely controversial split decision.

    The Badou Jack injustice has not deterred Rivera who came back with four consecutive victories, with his latest coming on July 22 via a first round TKO body shot, in Malambo Colombia.

    The combination of Rivera’s world rating, stellar record and skill, will open some major opportunities to close out 2023 and heading into 2024 as ‘Popeye’ continue to establish himself as a top light heavyweight in the world.



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  • RICHIE RIVERA SECURES 25TH VICTORY WITH FIRST ROUND TKO IN COLOMBIA

    RICHIE RIVERA SECURES 25TH VICTORY WITH FIRST ROUND TKO IN COLOMBIA


    White Plains, NY (July 24, 2023) — Star Boxing kept busy over the weekend as top world rated light heavyweight RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN RIVERA (now 25-1 19KO’s) and cruiserweight LYUBOMYR “DEMOLITION MAN” PINCHUK (now 14-4-2 8KO’s) laced up the gloves in separate shows from different parts of the globe.

    Richie Rivera in Colombia

    In Malambo Colombia, Richie Rivera took on Yuri Mendez in a scheduled 10-round light heavyweight bout, in which Rivera wasted no time slugging away at the outgunned Mendez. A thudding body shot just 54 seconds into round number one, sent Mendez to the canvas, where he remained forcing referee Leonel Mercado to wave off the action. With the TKO victory, Richie Rivera, who is currently world rated #6 (WBA), #6 (WBO – at cruiserweight), #8 (WBC), #11 (IBF), 8 (WBC), improved to 25-1 with 19 wins coming by way of knockout. Rivers is looking ahead to a significant fight that will lead him to a world championship opportunity  in the very near future.

    Lyubomry Pinchuk in Pennsylvania

    Simultaneously in Washington, Pennsylvania, another  “Summer Slugfest” was presented as Star Boxing’s Lyubomyr Pinchuk went to battle with Anthony Holloway over a competitive 8-round cruiserweight bout. Both men remained active over the course of the bout, with Pinchuk seemingly getting the better of most exchanges. While Holloway had his moments in the bout, Pinchuk’s ring generalship dictated the fight. To the surprise of many in attendance, the bout was declared a draw. 79-72 Pinchuk, 75-77 Holloway, 76-76 draw. Pinchuk is now 14-4-2 8KO’s.

    The full “Summer Slugfest” fight card is available  on demand replay this week on StarBoxing.TV.

    ABOUT STARBOXING.TV:

    STAR BOXING TV brings you live action, Star Boxing archives and countless hours of thrilling professional boxing with over 30 years of entertainment. Subscribe today and never miss another punch! StarBoxing.TV is available at home or on the go via Roku, IOS and Google Play app store, Amazon Fire and Web at www.StarBoxing.TV.



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  • RICHIE RIVERA DENIED VICTORY IN SAUDI ARABIA

    RICHIE RIVERA DENIED VICTORY IN SAUDI ARABIA


    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (August 20, 2022) – With his corncob pipe and sailors hat in tow,  RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA went to battle with two time world champion BADOU JACK “THE RIPPER” on Saturday, in which Rivera was disgracefully denied what would have been a career defining victory.

    Rivera, who came up in weight nearly 15 lbs for the opportunity was in control of the first half of the fight, finding a home for his uppercut. However, Rivera would fall victim to an inexcusable time keeper error in the 8th round. For the first and legal three minutes of the 8th round Rivera was in control using his work rate to impress. As the on screen clock counted down to 10 and disappeared, there was a noticeable lack of the 10 second warning. The round unimaginably continued on for an additional and illegal 58 more seconds, to Jack’s benefit, as he forced Rivera into the corner and landed a heavy left hand, followed by a barrage of punches. Rivera made it out of the inexplicable 4 minute round, with judges giving the 8th to Jack, thanks to the additional time. DAZN’s Chris Mannix remarked on the broadcast: “If I’m Richard Rivera, I’m upset. That four-minute round — a round that Jack did much of his damage in that final minute — may have cost him the fight.”

    When the scores were read, Jack would get the nod by split decision (96-94 Rivera, 96-94 x2 Jack) with the 8th round and illegal additional time swinging the fight in Jack’s favor. A black cloud over an undoubtedly entertaining fight. Rivera’s career defining win was swept out from under him due to a lack of professionalism and complete failure of the time keeper.

    “Richie was denied a victory and it’s absolutely inexcusable,” said Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA. “It’s disgraceful that a round could go on for 4 minutes, with the illegal extra minute swinging the outcome of the round and the fight. How does something like that happen on a stage as big as this? We will be requesting a rematch and protesting the fight with the necessary commission. We are all extremely proud of ‘Popeye’ for daring to be great. Separately we nonetheless congratulate Saudi Arabia on a huge showcase boxing event.”

     

     



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  • UPDATE FROM SAUDI ARABIA: RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA ENJOYING THE EXPERIENCE AND READY FOR SATURDAY

    UPDATE FROM SAUDI ARABIA: RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA ENJOYING THE EXPERIENCE AND READY FOR SATURDAY


    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (August 18, 2022) – Undefeated, RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (E. Hartford, CT, 21-0, 16KO’s) traveled 6,401 miles for the biggest fight opportunity of his life against former two-time world champion BADOU “THE RIPPER” JACK (Las Vegas, NV, 26-3-3 16KO’s) in a 10 round cruiserweight bout this Saturday, August 20th, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    Both Badou Jack and Richie Rivera had this to say about their experience and fighting for the first time in Saudi Arabia:

    BADOU JACK:

    “I want to thank Skill Challenge and Prince Khaled for having me, and the whole Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I appreciate all the love. I’m excited to finally fight here in Saudi. I’ve fought in Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, but now finally we’re here so I’m excited. I’m here to stay. I feel young, I take care of my body. You’ve got to live a boxer’s life. You can’t just live it when you’re in training camp, it’s a lifestyle – all year round.”

    RICHIE RIVERA:

    “We have had a great experience so far [in Saudi Arabia]! Learning the language, how they dress and eat – just getting used to the way of life out here. Overall, the people of Saudi Arabia have been incredibly generous and helpful, and we’ve been lucky to meet a lot of kind people. I can’t elaborate enough on how dope this experience has been so far! I am super blessed and ready to fight Saturday.”

    Badou Jack vs Richie Rivera is promoted by Badou Jack Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and will air live on DAZN Saturday, August 20 starting at 12PM ET.

     

     



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  • STAR BOXING SITS DOWN WITH UNDEFEATED CRUISERWEIGHT RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA AHEAD OF HIS POTENTIAL CAREER DEFINING BOUT AGAINST TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION BADOU JACK

    STAR BOXING SITS DOWN WITH UNDEFEATED CRUISERWEIGHT RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA AHEAD OF HIS POTENTIAL CAREER DEFINING BOUT AGAINST TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION BADOU JACK


    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (August 10, 2022) — Sometimes a name just sticks. While attending Synergy Alternative High School in East Hartford, Connecticut, a young Richie Rivera was joking around with friends when they called him “Popeye” for the first time.  Created in 1929, a corncob pipe and sailor hat remain the trademark of the beloved character, Popeye the Sailor Man, in his quest to protect Olive Oil from the treacherous grasps of Bluto. It wasn’t long until most of East Hartford knew Richie Rivera only as Popeye. Absorbing the name, Rivera would go on to appear in all his professional fights donning a Popeye style corncob pipe and sailor hat.

    RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (E. Harford, CT, 21-0 16KO’s) will board a flight heading east for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he is scheduled to fight former two-time world champion, “THE RIPPER” BADOU JACK (Las Vegas, NV, 26-3-3 16KO’s) on the undercard of the Unified World Heavyweight Championship rematch between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk on August 20.  Richie Rivera clearly understands that his fight against Badou Jack is a clear-cut life changing opportunity for the 31-year-old East Hartford native.

    A victory will no doubt change the course of ‘Popeye’s” career and personal life, but to him, a victory represents even more. “This is huge,” said Rivera. I know this opportunity will catapult my career! This opportunity is giving me the chance to make a difference in my community, for my family and my personal life.”

    With a victory, and the anticipated spoils that come with it, Rivera is not hoping to buy a nice car, or go on a fancy vacation, but instead the first major difference Rivera is hoping to make is in is his community. “I come from a family that loves helping and giving back. I had the opportunity to go on a missionary trip to Guatemala and Peru! I am very involved with my church and get inspired to help others because I understand that there is much going on in the world.” Knowing many little East Hartford eyes will be tuned into the fight, Rivera continued, “with my experiences, I want to show kids in Hartford that anything is possible. It sounds cliché but hard work and perseverance does pay off. Believe in your dreams and never take your foot off the gas.”

    Inspiration aside, Badou Jack will be no easy task, but Rivera believes he has the edge. “I have been calling out Badou Jack for quite some time. I believe that this is the best fight for me because he is a seasoned veteran, he is a respected opponent, former world champion, and with this victory on this large of a platform, it will finally give me the respect I deserve in the ring, and the ability to show the world who I am.”

    Rivera’s promoter, Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA said: “This is an interesting fight on a big show and a huge opportunity for him. Popeye is a truly charismatic, interesting and marketable undefeated prospect. He knows that a win against a former two time world champion in Badou Jack will be a life changer for him and enable him to have an even greater positive impact on his community.”

    The Badou Jack-Richard Rivera fight is promoted by Badou Jack Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.



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  • RICHIE RIVERA vs BADOU JACK ADDED TO JOSHUA-USYK 2 UNDERCARD ON AUG. 20 IN SAUDI ARABIA

    RICHIE RIVERA vs BADOU JACK ADDED TO JOSHUA-USYK 2 UNDERCARD ON AUG. 20 IN SAUDI ARABIA


    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (July 23, 2022) – He is strong to the finish because he eats his spinach!  Star Boxing is pleased to confirm undefeated, Hartford, Connecticut product, RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (21-0 16KO’s) will look to cement his name on one of the biggest stages in boxing come August 20th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia when he takes on former two-time world champion “THE RIPPER” BADOU JACK (26-3-3 16KO’s) on the Joshua-Usyk 2 undercard. The mega night of fights will take place at the King Abdullah Sports City. The start time for the card will be announced soon.

    At 31 years old, Rivera has become well known in the New England area for his charismatic personality, boxing ability and his “Popeye” persona that he has carried with him since his pro debut back in 2017. As a pro, Rivera has secured a slew of titles that include the ABO Americas, UBF All America, and ABF Continental Titles. Rivera is currently riding a four-fight knockout streak and believes that he has the power and youth to take down Jack.

    Badou Jack will be highest profile and toughest fight in Rivera’s career, but it is not an opportunity that “Popeye” is shying away from, “I am super excited for this fight!” said Rivera. “I can’t wait to showcase my talent! I wanted this fight for a few years now, so I am extremely grateful (that Star Boxing) as gotten me this opportunity!!! It’s time for a veteran Badou Jack to pass down the torch.”

    Jack won the WBC World Super Middleweight Title, the first of his two world championships, in 2015 against Anthony Dirrell. Jack successfully defended this title twice, against George Groves and Lucian Bute.   Jack attempted to unify the division, but his unification attempt was a  majority draw with James DeGale with both champs keeping their titles.  Jack then heading up to the light heavyweight division. In his first bout at 175 lbs., Jack defeated Nathan Cleverly for the WBA World Light Heavyweight Title, earning his second world championship, this time in a second division. Jack is currently on a four-fight win streak and a three-fight knockout streak.

    Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about the fight, “Richie draws people in with his infectious personality and “Popeye” persona. Two years ago Richie called for this fight on social media, and I am very happy to be able to bring him this potentially life changing opportunity on one of the biggest boxing cards of the year.”

    Rivera will eagerly take the long flight to Saudi Arabia with a major upset on his mind, and while Badou Jack goes by “The Ripper,” Popeye will only see Bluto across the ring come August 20.

    The Badou Jack-Richard Rivera fight is promoted by Badou Jack Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

     

     



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