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03/10/2005 Archived Entry: "New England Chatta"
New England Chatta
Rivera Embraces the Limelight
By J.D. Vena
Fortunately, I had no problem getting out of work early today to attend Don King’s latest press conference at the DCU Center in downtown Worcester (pronounced Wusstah), MA. When I arrived it looked to be a lively event with several reporters, photographers, rich folk, local politicians, television cameras boxers and a guy who appeared to be the only security guard there. There didn’t seem to be any eminent danger and I’ve never really felt unsafe without a fully staffed security crew. Besides, Norman Stone was on crutches recovering from hip surgery. So everyone was okay. Evidently, the man I thought to be a security guard was actually a Worcester Juvenile Court officer who like your writer was there to attend the press conference. Luckilly, he was able to take a half day because he was the main reason why everyone was there.
On April 2nd, after nearly one and a half years, Worcester Juvenile Court officer Jose Antonio Rivera (37-3-1, 24 KOs), a proud product of the fruits of Worcester, will make his first defense of his coveted WBA welterweight title against their number one contender, Thomas “Lionheart” Damgaard (34-0, 26 KOs) of Denmark. What’s more, Rivera who won the title in Germany, the backyard of then unbeaten Michael Trabant, will get to defend his title at the DCU Center, his stomping grounds.
Since becoming champion Rivera has not wavered from his strict routine. He has been a fill time dad and husband, worked full time at the Worcester Juvenile Court and he’s trained. His only problem has been finding a willing challenger. Last year, after negotiations fell apart with securing a fight with Damgaard, Rivera was set to defend against former undisputed champ, Ricardo Mayorga. As it turned out, Rivera’s problem wasn’t Mayorga’s fists, it was Mayorga’s appetite. At the weigh-in, Mayorga weighed several pounds over the welterweight limit and Rivera’s first title match was scratched. Rivera was then injured in training for Damgaard to bring us all the way to 16 months since his last fight.
“I’ve been waiting so long to fight,” Rivera told the CBZ. “For my first defense to come to my home city is just icing on the cake.”
But will being inactive too long, which has also been the case for Damgaard, have an impact Rivera’s performance?
“I stay in great shape,” said Rivera. “I’m always in the gym and sparring. There will be no ring rust here.”
Rivera is elated to have a fight but he also likes the fact that his opponent, who Micky Ward has said is really tough from his sparring sessions with him, will be coming right at him.
“I’ve seen enough of (Damgaard) from films. He’s rugged and tough and I won’t have to find him. He’ll be right in front of me and he will be there be hit. One thing I can guarantee you is that this is the best Jose Rivera you’re ever going to see.”
If nothing else, at least we’ll finally get to see him.
Rivera tops a Don King bill which includes the most significant cruiserweight match-up since Toney-Jirov, the 2003 CBZ Fight of Year. Based on styles, it could turn out even better than that war. In the co-feature, WBC champ Wayne “Big Truck” Braithwaite (21-0, 17 KOs) of New York via Georgetown, Guyana, will match his destructive punches with WBA counterpart, Jean-Marc Mormeck (30-2, 21 KOs) of Guadalupe, France. What’s intriguing about this match-up is that neither fighter takes a backward step or is known for great defense. Relentless offense and heavy hands has been the key to their success as they’ve both overwhelmed the likes of top contender Dale Brown with relative ease.
Whether or not Mormeck can halt the momentum of “Big Truck,” he has certainly accrued big-time experience. In addition to beating Brown, Mormeck owns two wins over 3-time champion Virgil Hill. In fact, he retired Hill in their last bout.
King flanked by Mormeck (left) and Braithwait
“Fighting Hill twice was great experience for me because he was so experienced,” Mormeck told the CBZ. “This experience will help me win regardless of the style of fighter Braithwait is. I’m very happy to be here to unify the title.
Braithwait, who has made three title defenses since winning the title, is also eager to unify the title. “I’m telling everyone right now,” Braithwait proclaimed. “Don’t go to the bathroom or get up to get food. Don’t even blink, because something spectacular is going to happen. I promise you.”
I’d believe him.
Don King Productions, which includes the handywork of top match-maker Bobby Goodman, is putting on an unprecedented fight card here in the state of champions (Hey, we have two world champs and the best baseball and football teams, so I can say that). Slated to appear on the card are unbeaten Philly cruiserweight, Steve Cunningham (16-0, 9 KOs) against fellow contender Guillermo Jones (31-2-2, 24 KOs) of Panama in a 10-rounder. Fellow Panamian Luis Pineda (18-4, 16 KO’s) will face heavyweight Andre Purlette (37-2, 34 KO’s) in another 10-rounder. We’re also told by Mass State Boxing Commissioner, Nick Manzello, that former WBA light heavyweight champ, Lou Del Valle (34-3-1) of Bronx, NY as well as featherweight prospect Elio Rojas of New York (10-0, 9 KO’s) are being discussed as possible additions to the show.
“It’s the best all around fight card I’ve seen in New England in my 35 years of covering the sport,” added Manzello. “I mean just look at the combined records of the two co-features. It’s 122-5. I’ve never seen such a thing.”
That’s because Don King usually doesn’t make his way through New England very often. However, in the event Jose Rivera wins on April 2nd, the man never at a loss for words may want to return to Worcester to stage another one of these talent studded cards. After enough visits you might not see Rivera at one of these press conferences in his work attire.
Tickets priced at $35, $50, $100 and $250 are now on sale at the DCU Center Box Office, all area Ticketmaster locations, online at ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at (617) 931-2000 or (617) 228-6000. All tickets are subject to a $.50 facility fee.
Rivera Photo courteous Full Court Press
Mormeck/King/Braithwait Photo Courteous DKP
