10.03.04 – WORCESTER, Mass. (March 9, 2004) – Like most professional boxers, past and present, WBA welterweight champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera (37-3-1, 24 KOs) has always dreamed of fighting in historic Madison Square Garden (MSG). The 30-year-old Rivera will have his first opportunity to fight there April 17, against former WBC & WBA welterweight title-holder Ricardo “The Matador” Mayorga, on “The New Era Begins,” promoted by Don King, in New York City.
Rivera-Mayorga figures to continue MSG’s rich boxing tradition of hosting great world welterweight championship matches. Legendary “Sugar” Ray Robinson captured his first world welterweight title in 1945 at MSG against Tommy Bell. Other great world welterweight title fights at MSG include Henry “Homicidal Hank” Armstrong and Fritzie “Croat Comet” Zivic splitting a pair in 1940-41, Emile Griffith’s split versus Benny “Kid” Paret in 1961-62, and Felix “Tito” Trinidad retaining his IBF title versus Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker in 1999.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling that’s hard to explain,” Rivera spoke about his MSG debut. “Every fighter, going through the amateurs to the pros, dreams of someday fighting at Madison Square Garden. Everybody lists that accomplishment and, thank God, I’m living a dream. My goal is to win this fight and continue my dream. Someday I’d like to defend my title at the Worcester Centrum and in Puerto Rico.
“Madison Square Garden is close enough for a lot of my hometown guys to be there. I’ll also have the support of people in New York City, especially my Puerto Rican fans. I had to go to Berlin with only five people on my side. Once I’m coming down the aisle, though, I won’t be thinking about my fans or fighting in Madison Square Garden. All I’ll be focused on is fighting Mayorga. I’m happy that this fight will be close enough for my friends and family to be there. It’s been a long time since I’ve fought close to home.”
The 30-year-old Rivera will be making his first title defense since capturing the WBA title last September, winning a 12-round decision from previously unbeaten (38-0) Michel “Phantom” Trabant in Berlin. Jose’s last fight close to his Worcester (MA) home was nearly 3 ½ years ago (December 12, 2000, WDEC8, Angel Beltre) at the Worcester Centrum.
“MSG is the Mecca of professional boxing,” Rivera’s manager Steven “Tank” Tankanow said. “There only the best fight the best. Rivera-Mayorga is a tremendous match-up for fans; they’re both warriors with hearts like mountain lions. Good (Rivera) vs. evil (Mayorga) always make for an interesting event.”