Salita Promotions has signed prime tremendous light-weight contender Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera to a long-term deal, including a crown jewel to one in all boxing’s most proficient stables of up-and-coming fighters.
“I’m enthusiastic about reaching my objective of being a world champion,” mentioned Rivera, who’s focusing on a spring return. “That is going to be an amazing 12 months for me, as I sit up for persevering with on the trail of combating and beating the largest names in my division. I’ve an amazing group and a sensible promoter in Salita. He understands boxing and is aware of what I can do inside that ring to achieve my potential. I’m excited to work with Salita and to struggle on DAZN, the place there are the largest stars within the tremendous light-weight division. These fights will give me the chance to achieve championship star standing, and that’s all I need.”
Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and now coaching out of Massachusetts, Rivera (25-1, 14 KOs) most lately competed in November, incomes a formidable unanimous choice over former 140-pound world champion Sergey Lipinets. It was Rivera’s first struggle at 140 kilos and adopted up the one defeat of his profession, a 2022 choice loss to Frank Martin.
The 25-year-old burst onto the scene in 2019, making his United States debut with a victory over Rene Tellez Giron on SHOWTIME. He continued his ascent with 5 extra victories in 2020 and 2021, earlier than starting 2022 with triumphs over Joseph Adorno and Jerry Perez. Often known as “La Zarza Ali” as a consequence of his uncanny resemblance to a younger Muhammad Ali, he’s stood out for his personal mix of velocity and technical ability that he shows within the ring.
“The 140-pound division is without doubt one of the hottest in boxing, and Michel Rivera has the resume, expertise, youth and persona to set it on fireplace,” mentioned Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “I’m thrilled about his future and the championship potential he’s already displayed all through his profession.”
