Danny Garcia with rising Philly star Johnny Rivera Jr and Johnny Rivera Sr. (Photograph by Joseph Santoliquito/Ring)
PHILADELPHIA, PA — It was per week after one among Philadelphia boxing’s greatest accomplishments, drawing 14,119 to the Wells Fargo Heart for Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ first IBF welterweight title protection towards late-replacement David Avanesyan. You’ll determine Philly would have its fill of boxing.
Not precisely.
Danny Garcia, the 36-year-old former two-division world titlist, is molding a brand new rising star in Johnny “Completely different Breed” Rivera. On July 20, the again of the 2300 Enviornment in South Philly was packed. The place might match 1,300. There have been simply a 1,000 that confirmed up for welterweight Rivera’s four-round choice victory over 19-fight veteran Nelson Morales, who got here in at 154.
Rivera, simply 18, was the primary fighter to signal below Garcia’s Swift Promotions banner and is 3-0, with two stoppages. In opposition to Morales, 32, the younger junior welterweight might have been a bit of extra steadily than he appreciated, however the victory, plus the turnout, bodes nicely for future fights in Philly.
“It was an incredible evening and we received 1,000 individuals,” Garcia stated. “Johnny weighed 147, and the child weighed 154, however we’ve got such perception in Johnny that he had the abilities to win. This confirmed that the individuals in Philly nonetheless love boxing. This was an incredible begin. We received 1,000 tonight, after which we begin constructing extra and get to greater arenas the place we will get 2,000 in there. The aim is to construct these guys like Johnny and construct their model.”
In Rivera, there’s a lot to work with. He is an effective wanting, flashy welterweight. His household is the equal to the Philly preventing Fundoras. Johnny Rivera Sr. is his son’s coach. Johnny Sr. has two youthful youngsters who’re additionally fighters, nationally ranked of their respective weight courses and age teams. The Riveras went by seven opponents that turned the combat down.
After Ennis, Garcia’s Rivera could also be one other Philly draw.
“Morales made Johnny work, and it will have been good to go six rounds, however this man needed 4 rounds and survive and we have been comfortable he took the combat, as a result of nobody else would,” Rivera Sr. stated. “We need to get proper again within the ring August 16. This Morales was a a lot bigger man, and simply 160, 165 kilos and my son got here in tonight round 149. That (weight disparity) gained’t occur once more. Johnny is eighteen and is a 19-time nationwide beginner champion. He’s going to proceed studying and rising.”
What’s refreshing about Rivera is his accountability.
“I’m not comfortable in any respect, I might have reduce weight much better than I did, and I might give myself a C-minus, as a result of I’ve performed much more,” Rivera Jr. stated. “I didn’t absolutely practice for this the way in which I used to be alleged to, and I’ve to be on my weight higher. I crashed weight final minute. I’ll are available in approach stronger the following time I combat.”
Rivera was again within the health club two days after the combat on Monday. He is aware of he has to sharpen his protection. He is aware of he must be extra disciplined.
Garcia is aware of the long run appears vibrant for Rivera.
“I believe Johnny has loads of me in him,” Garcia stated. “He works exhausting, he’s dedicated to the game and solely 18. He nonetheless has issues to be taught, and I like the truth that he is aware of it. He’s good now, and may be so significantly better. Now we have time. We may be affected person. I’m trying to assist him with the expertise I’ve out and in of the ring. We had 1,000 individuals tonight. In case you got here late, it will take some time to park the place was so packed. That is only the start for Swift Promotions and Johnny Rivera.”
Joseph Santoliquito is an award-winning sportswriter who has been working for Ring Journal/RingTV.com since October 1997 and is the president of the Boxing Writers Affiliation of America.Comply with @JSantoliquito
