Richard Rivera takes aim at Ben Whittaker

On June 27 at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis will headline a Matchroom Boxing card in association with Top Rank for Zayas’ WBO/WBA super welterweight title. On the undercard, light heavyweight contender Ben Whittaker takes on the toughest test of his career so far, facing Richard Rivera. Ahead of their light heavyweight showdown, Rivera spoke to The Ring, taking aim at Whittaker’s CV, revealing his plan for June 27.

Richard Rivera and Ben Whittaker set for June 27 clash

Whittaker (11-0-1, 8 KOs) was a top-class amateur, winning an Olympic silver medal, and expectations were high when he turned professional. He has plenty of viral moments in his first few fights, showcasing his extraordinary reflexes, which were often classed as a lack of respect for his opponents. A lacklustre and controversial technical draw with Liam Cameron prompted “The Surgeon” to move to Andy Lee. Since moving to Lee, Whittaker has won three consecutive fights all by stoppage.

Rivera (27-2, 20 KOs) has lost two professional fights, most notably a split decision against Badou Jack in 2022. The 35-year-old American clearly carries power, but he hasn’t fought since January 11, 2025. Can he deal with the power, speed and accuracy of Whittaker?

Rivera takes aim at Whittaker

Rivera is a huge underdog, but it’s clear he’s feeling confident, and speaking to The Ring, the American made it clear he’s unconvinced by Whittaker: “Whittaker isn’t as good as people think he is,” Rivera told The Ring. “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.” 

When Rivera beat Guerrero in 2025, he won by second-round stoppage, and he’s not planning to go the distance with Whittaker: “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.”

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis of the main event and undercard, including Ben Whittaker vs Richard Rivera.

Featured Image Credit:

@MatchroomBoxing