JOE DEGUARDIA, the head of Star Boxing, is thrilled to announce the return of light heavyweight standout, RICHIE “POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN” RIVERA (25-1 19KO’S) to the promotional fold under a fresh contract.
Hailing from Hartford, Connecticut, Rivera, known as “Popeye”, holds an enviable record of 25 victories and a single loss, with 19 of his wins by knockout. He currently holds impressive world rankings: #6 (WBA), #6 (WBO-Cruiserweight), #8 (WBC), and #11 (IBF). With these top 15 rankings across all sanctioning bodies, Popeye is within arm’s reach of a coveted world title fight.
Excited about his new contract, RIVERA said, “I want to extend my gratitude to Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for this opportunity. I’m eager to see what the future holds. As I said after my bout with Badou Jack, ‘I will be a World Champion’, and I’m confident that Star Boxing will guide me to that achievement.”
His new manager, NATE TORRES echoed the sentiment, saying, “Teaming up with Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing is something I’m thrilled about. Given Richie’s current world rankings, it’s only a matter of time before he gets his title shot. We are confident that when he does, he’ll rise as the next light heavyweight champion of the world.”
In response to the signing, Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA said, “Richie’s charisma is off the charts. He embodies his ‘Popeye’ nickname, complete with his sailor hat and pipe. We are excited to continue working with Richie, who, with his current ratings, hunger for fights, and skill set, has some significant bouts lined up.”
Rivera has a strong following in the New England area and has extended his fanbase while training and fighting in Puerto Rico, his family’s homeland.
His most high-profile fight to date took place in Saudi Arabia this past August against three-time world champion and current WBC World Cruiserweight Champion, Badou Jack. A controversial eighth round that exceeded the standard three minutes by nearly a minute swung the fight in Jack’s favor, a decision that still stirs controversy. Nevertheless, this setback hasn’t slowed down Rivera, who bounced back with four successive wins, the latest via a first-round TKO in Malambo, Colombia, on July 22.
With his world rankings, an excellent track record, and undeniable talent, Rivera is poised for significant opportunities as 2023 wraps up and we step into 2024. It’s clear that ‘Popeye’ is solidifying his place among the top ranks of the world’s light heavyweights.