Talking Boxing with COSME RIVERA
"Judah will be in for a war and he will learn that I’m not a pushover"
by
Julius Stecker
3/11 - Top rated IBF welterweight
Cosme Rivera, 28-7-2 with 20 KO’s, has taken the hard road to his upcoming spring title shot. Even though the Los Angeles, California native has seven losses, Rivera has never been stopped in his entire career and a few decisions could have gone the other way over the years.
Since 2001, he has compiled an undefeated record of 7-0, while beating respected contenders: Golden Johnson, James Hare, and Hercules Kyvelos, which was an IBF Welterweight Title Eliminator last September. Rivera is a strong no nonsense fighter who is looking to be this years version of Glen Johnson. "My chin is a tough one. I don’t intend to ever hit the canvas," Rivera told TalkingBoxing.com. "My heart is too big for that to happen."
On May 14th, the 29-year old contender will be taking on the vastly talented and undisputed Welterweight Champion of the World Zab Judah on the undercard of Winky Wright-Felix Trinidad showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Talkingboxing caught up with the tough contender to see what Rivera thought about this upcoming opportunity, and his career.
COSME RIVERA
TalkingBoxing.com: How is everything going?
Cosme Rivera: Everything is going great. I am very excited at this time.
TalkingBoxing.com: Looking at this upcoming fight against Zab Judah, what type of fight are you expecting from him?
Cosme Rivera: Zab is the undisputed Champion of the World so I expect him to come out to prove that he deserves what he just won, the Undisputed World Titles. Zab will fight with a lot of heart and determination.
TalkingBoxing.com: Are you planning to go for the knockout?
Cosme Rivera: I will go into the fight to take whatever Zab is willing to give me. If that is a knockout then that is what I will take.
TalkingBoxing.com: Since Judah has all but ignored you previously, do you think he is overlooking you, and if he is, what is he in for?
Cosme Rivera: Zab had to get back what he lost to Cory before he could focus on me. Both Zab and Cory made a commitment for the winner to fight me. Zab is showing what a stand up guy he is by honoring that commitment, so I don’t think that he is overlooking me. Judah will be in for a war and he will learn that I’m not a pushover.
TalkingBoxing.com: You have been fighting for many years now, and you have never been stopped, what do you attribute that to?
Cosme Rivera: I attribute that to my training program and my development as a fighter. I defend myself very well but I can also take a punch. My chin is a tough one. I don’t intend to ever hit the canvas. My heart is too big for that to happen.
TalkingBoxing.com: Looking back at your career what was your greatest moment as a fighter so far?
Cosme Rivera: The fight against James Hare, I went into his hometown and country to stop him in the 10th round. That was an amazing fight and one that I believe made me a better fighter.
TalkingBoxing.com: What is your opinion on the return of Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley to the Welterweight Division?
Cosme Rivera: I hope they all come back. That will set me up for some major money fights once I win the title belt from Zab.
TalkingBoxing.com: What is your opinion of the rest of the Welterweight Division?
Cosme Rivera: There are some very good fighters out there that just need an opportunity like I am being presented in this division. This may be the toughest division in boxing right now.
TalkingBoxing.com: If you pull the upset and beat Judah, who would you like to fight next?
Cosme Rivera: I’ll leave that to my manager and promoters. Grant Elvis Phillips, Jimmy Montoya and Guilty Boxing have been a tremendous influence on me and they have not steered me wrong. I will trust them to do what is best for me and my career.
TalkingBoxing.com: What can we expect from you on May 14th against Zab Judah?
Cosme Rivera: When I fight Zab, you will see why I deserve to be recognized as one of the best Mexican fighters ever, up there with Julio Cesar Chavez, Carlos Palomino and the other great Mexico fighters. I am a tough Mexican fighter who has lots of heart and determination. I want the title that belongs to me. I have waited long enough for this opportunity and now I just want to show the World what I am all about.
"I’ve always had tough obstacles; this is just another test"
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