Rivera’s criticism of Ben Whittaker goes beyond pre-fight trash talk. Ahead of their light heavyweight clash Saturday night in Brooklyn, the veteran contender questioned whether the unbeaten British star has actually earned his growing reputation, arguing that Whittaker has been carefully matched throughout his professional career.
“I don’t think Whittaker is as good as people think he is,” Rivera said to The Ring when discussing the matchup. “His record looks good, but if you look closely at it he really hasn’t fought anyone. His handlers know what they’re doing. He’s been pampered his entire career. He’s just overhyped. He’s not beating me.”
Rivera’s comments touch on a criticism that has followed Whittaker since turning professional after winning an Olympic silver medal in Tokyo. Despite his amateur pedigree and highlight-reel knockouts, many observers believe the opposition has not matched the level of hype surrounding him.
That debate intensified in October 2024 when Whittaker struggled against Liam Cameron in what was widely viewed as his first meaningful test. Before their rematch earlier this year, Cameron pressured Whittaker throughout the contest before the fight ended in controversial fashion after both men tumbled over the top rope. Whittaker answered some of those questions by stopping Cameron in the opening round of the rematch in April, but Rivera believes Saturday will provide a much sterner examination.
“The plan is to stop him,” Rivera said. “I know that I have the power to do it. Is Whittaker tough? I’m not sure, but that doesn’t matter. If I don’t stop him, I plan on beating him up round after round after round.”
While Whittaker enters the bout riding back-to-back first-round knockouts, Rivera has been out of the ring since stopping Roger Guerrero in two rounds in January 2025. Rather than viewing the inactivity as a disadvantage, Rivera believes the extended wait will end with the biggest victory of his career.
Whittaker (11-0-1, 8 KOs) and Rivera (27-2, 20 KOs) meet on the undercard of the unified junior middleweight title fight between Jaron Ennis and Xander Zayas at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It will also mark the 29-year-old Whittaker’s first professional fight in the United States.
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Last Updated on 2026/06/25 at 10:12 AM
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