Ben Whittaker Calls Richard Rivera ‘Olive Oyl’ Ahead Of U.S. Debut

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After Rivera weighed 173.8 pounds and Whittaker came in at 174.4 pounds, the unbeaten British contender wasted little time taking verbal shots at his opponent following their faceoff.

“I feel good, man. What’s good, Brooklyn? Thanks for pulling up, man. Joe, you saw him then. Hey, man. He don’t believe it himself. He brought that pipe again. I told him about it yesterday. He calls himself Popeye. He’s more like Olive Oyl, man. Tomorrow it’s work time. I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And you’re going to see why I’m so special tomorrow night,” said Whittaker at the weigh-in.

Whittaker (11-0-1, 8 KOs), the reigning WBC Silver light heavyweight champion and 2020 Olympic silver medalist, has scored knockouts in each of his last three victories. Asked if he expects another stoppage, he doubled down on his confidence.

“Yeah, I just feel like I’m better in every department. What everyone’s to do, I can do better. And tomorrow, you’re going to see why I’m most talked about,” said Whittaker.

Rivera, meanwhile, remained composed despite Whittaker’s comments. The American challenger said simply reaching this stage represents the realization of a lifelong ambition.

“Honestly, I’m blessed to be here. I mean, I feel like I already won,” said Rivera. “I’m living my dream. I’m really here doing what I’ve been doing since I was a child, and it is finally paying off. Man, I’m blessed. I’m overwhelmed with joy.”

When asked how he planned to upset one of boxing’s most highly regarded prospects after an 18-month layoff, Rivera declined to reveal much.

“What I’m going to do is what I’m going to do. I’ll just leave it as that,” said Rivera.

The bout serves as Whittaker’s first professional appearance in the United States and is part of the Matchroom Boxing card from Brooklyn, New York. The 10-round contest will be contested for the WBC Silver light heavyweight title.