“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this in my country for a long time. “Because yes, finally, Oscar Rivas will be able to fight at home, in Colombia. For the very first time in his career.
Posted at 5:34 p.m.
He will do so on August 13, at the Pascual Guerrero Olympic Stadium in Cali. The Colombian based in Montreal will defend his title of world champion of the super-heavyweight of the WBC, acquired last November at the Olympia in Montreal.
And he should be able to do so in front of 35,000 to 40,000 people, according to estimates reported by his promoter Yvon Michel on Tuesday.
It was from the Colombian capital, Bogotá, that Rivas spoke to the Montreal media. His enthusiasm was the theme of the virtual meeting.
“It’s something very exciting, he rejoiced. Fighting at home is very motivating. »
“Now that I have this belt, defending it at home gives me confidence and motivation to do the job well for the evening of August 13. »
He will step into the ring against the Polish Lukasz Rozanski (14-0-0, 13 KOs), whose last fight dates back to May 2021.
Oscar Rivas (28-0, 19 K.-O.), 34, expects a “not easy” confrontation.
“Rozanski, like Oscar, comes from the heavyweights, explained Yvon Michel on Tuesday. He once boxed at 240 pounds too. He’ll be able to challenge Oscar at all times. »
“Oscar is highly appreciated”
Rivas had just chatted for more than an hour to the many Colombian media gathered in Bogotá. His agent Stéphane Lépine and he are delighted to become aware of the notoriety of the pugilist at home, despite his exile – and his career – in Canada.
“The vibration that I feel from people who meet Oscar, the vibes what is here, [on sent] that Oscar is very popular. I believe it will be a very good event. »
“Here, Oscar will have a great international resonance. He will have the crowd with him. »
Rivas shows the same enthusiasm.
The world is starting to know me and knows that Canada is my second home. When I arrive here, in Colombia, the world says to me: “Hey, the champion!” It gives me motivation to know that the world realizes that outside of Colombia, many athletes have done their job.
Oscar Rivas
Rivas’ training camp schedule is yet to be confirmed. He and his team, however, plan to train in Montreal and then fly to Colombia about three weeks before the fight.
And they shouldn’t be the only Quebec residents making the trip. Yvon Michel has promised to announce an undercard including several Quebec boxers in the coming weeks.