Richie “Popeye” Rivera gives back on mission trip
Hartford’s undefeated power puncher, Richie “Popeye the Sailor Man” Rivera (12-0 10 KOs) is commonly found lacing up his gloves at the Hartford Boxing Center, preparing for his upcoming bout. If you were to meet Richie today, that would include preparing for his September 14, ABO America’s Title defense at Resorts World Catskills when he steps in for his toughest test to date, former WBC FECARBOX champion, Israel Dufus (19-5 6KO’s) at Star Boxing’s “Catskills Clash II” on the undercard of heavyweight title contender, Carlos Takam’s US debut.
However, during the first two weeks of August, you wouldn’t find Richie in the gym. Instead, Richie was 3,337 miles away in the “Land of the Eternal Spring,” Guatemala. Understanding the need for giving back, Richie attended a mission trip to Guatemala, in an effort to bring food, clothing and needed everyday life essentials to the Guatemalan people.
Take the opportunity to watch Catskills Clash II ? a match between “Action” Anthony Laureano and Richie “Popeye the Sailor Man” Rivera next Saturday at Resorts World Catskills ? https://t.co/dqtpgTDa8I #SullivanCatskills pic.twitter.com/oO3a7WVXrd
— Sullivan Catskills (@sullivancats) September 6, 2019
How did this trip affect the ABO champion, “I got a dose of reality,” Rivera said. “I believe we as Americans take a lot of things for granted,” Rivera continued, “and this trip was a great experience for me to appreciate the little things in life that we overlook on a daily basis.”
Returning to the US with a full heart, Rivera is even more determined to continue his rise in the boxing world, beginning with his September 14 title defense. With a win against Duffus, Rivera will find himself doing just that.
You can watch Richie “Popeye the Sailor Man” Rivera’s video here.
“CATSKILLS CLASH II” is promoted by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing, on a thrilling night of fights from Resorts World Catskills, featuring elite heavyweight action in the main event as heavyweight title contender Carlos Takam (36-5-1 28 KOs) takes on heavy-handed heavyweight, Craig Lewis (14-3-1 8KO’s). Also featured is New England, top undefeated prospects, “Action” Anthony Laureano (CT 11-0 4 KO’s), defending his ABO America’s Super Lightweight title against Brian “Sweet” Jones (15-10 9 KOs), who is coming off a massive upset knockout win over undefeated prospect Julian Sosa.
Marquis Johns is a unknown humorist and avid boxing fan. His love for the sweet science goes back to when matches were 15 rounds and has been covering fights since closed-circuit pay-per-views. Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth is not only a quote by Mike Tyson, it's also a pretty good reminder to keep your guard up.
