Oscar Rivas arrived at the fight announcement press conference in Canary Wharf, London late last month with a smile on his face, dressed in flamboyant designer clothing and with a watch that could rival Big Ben.
But the 31-year-old Colombian hasn’t agreed to face Dillian Whyte (25-1, 18 KOs) on July 20 to simply look the part. He’s coming to put on a show.
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“I am looking forward to this. It is the fight I’ve been looking for, for a very long time,” said Rivas (26-0, 18 KOs). “I want to put on a good show at the O2 arena on July 20. I’ve been told that the fans here create a fantastic and hot atmosphere. I’m really pleased that I will be fighting in London. It’s a real honor for me.
"I’ve fought a lot of guys with experience. I would say every one of my opponents have had their own challenges and have all been tough," he continued. "I wouldn’t say that this is necessarily is the most difficult fight or toughest fight I’ve had, but I’m here for a reason, because I deserve it. It’s going to be a fantastic display. Nothing is decided until the end of the fight and both of us will give everything in the ring."
Ranked in the top 10 across the sanctioning bodies and 15th in the world, the IBF International, WBO NABO and NABF heavyweight champion calls his bout against Whyte a "career-defining fight."
“This fight against Whyte on July 20 is very much a career-defining fight for me," he said. "Whatever happens, hopefully, it’s positive, I’ll be looking for more challenges after that. What I want to do is have a collection of belts to keep in my closet back home."
Making his professional debut in 2009 against Joe Stofle in Montreal, Rivas, who was born in Cali, Colombia, has been living in Montreal for a decade strong now. The move helped shape the fighter he is today.
"From the moment that I arrived there from Colombia, I have been really welcomed by the people," Rivas said. "I consider it to be my second home. It was a little bit tough at first, getting used to the language, but the people have given me a very warm welcome. I’m there for a reason and I wouldn’t be there if I wasn’t enjoying it. I love Canada. The reason I chose boxing was because I wanted to be someone in life. I think it was the sport out of all the sports that I did at the time that would allow me to have a great career path. I’m glad that I chose boxing as it has helped me."
It has led him to this point, where he prepares for his biggest fight to date — one that he hopes to live up to his nickname, "Kaboom," more than Whyte lives up to "The Body Snatcher."
"I’m a lively character and I like to enjoy life. I’m quite happy go lucky, but once I step foot into the ring, that’s where you see the nickname 'Kaboom' come to life, when the punches land," he said. "I love to fight, that’s what I enjoy in life."