MICHEL RIVERA is the boxer trying to bring a bit of Muhammad Ali back to the sport.
The fighter, 23, secured a spectacular KO victory in July last year – and dressed as Ali for the occasion.
Michel Rivera has adopted the nickname ‘Ali’ and has strikingly similar looks Credit: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
Muhammad Ali’s spectacular KO of Sonny Liston in 1965 is one of boxing’s most iconic moments Credit: Getty – Contributor The lightweight contender dressed in the same iconic white and black shorts when he floored Jon Fernandez.
He even recreated the celebration Ali put on when he KO’d Sonny Liston in 1965.
That has gone on to be immortalised on posters and other memorabilia.
Rivera has the same haircut as his hero, and even wants to be known by the nickname ‘Ali’.
Speaking previously to Boxing Scene, he said: “Everyone around me claims that I resemble a young Cassius Clay, who of course became Muhammad Ali.
“My coach [German Caicedo] always told me that from day one and it just stuck.”
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Rivera, who is from the Dominican Republic, delivered a stunning one-punch KO of Fernandez to secure his 21st win.
He made it 22 in October, but couldn’t secure the stoppage that time.
But he did win EVERY round on the judges’ scorecards, 100-90 against Jose Matias Romero.
His next fight is not yet confirmed.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
