Boxer Scores Knockout Dressed As Muhammad Ali, Later Defeated In Same Outfit

Photo: Instagram/Michel Rivera

Michel Rivera, a young lightweight boxer, made a big impression during a fight in July 2021. Dressed like a young Muhammad Ali, Rivera, then 23, scored a spectacular one-punch knockout against Jon Fernandez, moving his record to 21-0 with 14 KOs.

Rivera, from the Dominican Republic, began his career with 14 straight wins at home before fighting once in Uruguay and then moving to the U.S. He changed his nickname from 'La Zarza' to 'Ali' because people told him he looked like a young Cassius Clay, who later became Muhammad Ali.

Rivera's knockout of Fernandez, which left the Spaniard on the canvas in round eight, drew attention for his resemblance to Ali. After this win, Rivera continued his success with three more victories.

Photo: Instagram/Michel Rivera

However, in late 2022, he faced a tough opponent, Frank Martin, who floored Rivera in round seven and handed him his first defeat. After the fight, Rivera tested positive for banned substances and was suspended for six months.

Rivera has since returned to the ring, winning against Sergey Lipinets, and is now set to face Hugo Alberto Roldan on July 27 as he works to rebuild his career.


Read Next: Ryan Garcia Posts Final Video Before Entering Rehab: "I Wouldn't Let Me Back In Boxing Either"

Source: Talk Sports 

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