Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera finds new home in Orlando
It seems only appropriate that
undefeated cruiserweight *Richie “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera* (18-0, 13
KOs) has found a new home in Orlando (FL), although his heart remains in
his native Hartford (CT), since he followed his partner/head trainer *Tony
Blanco* there nearly six months ago,
“I recently went to Universal Studios and it’s definitely Popeye-friendly,”
the charismatic Rivera reported. “They had Popeye rides, souvenirs and
novelties. I felt like it’s my part of town.”
Due to financial strains associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Hartford Boxing Center (HBC) was closed by the state March 15 and it never
reopened. Blanco and his family traveled south to the Sunshine State, where
he opened the Orlando Boxing Club (OBC at 7335 Lake Underhill Road in
Orlando, Florida). Soon after “Popeye” packed his bags and joined Blanco.
“The business was bleeding, and I have a family to support,” Blanco
explained. “We’ve more or less brought Hartford Boxing Center to Orlando,
where there are so many opportunities for us. It is what it is, there was
no other way to survive. We’ve turning a negative into a positive.
“It was a cool ride alongside the Hartford community. We were sad to
announce the Hartford Boxing Center had closed its doors. We are deeply
indebted to Hartford for giving us the opportunity to meet such a loving
community that made us feel like family. We will miss each and every one
there and, hopefully, we left our legacy there in good standing with
everyone. We hope everybody stays safe, healthy and continues their goals
and dreams The fight continues!”
Florida’s weather alone has advantages over Connecticut, in addition to no
state tax, and “Popeye” has taken full advantage as he marches towards the
top of the cruiserweight division.
“I’ve taken it all in,” he commented. “Down here I’m able to run in weather
when it isn’t freezing or in the snow, although that did make me more of an
animal. But it was harder training in Hartford and there are so many
reasons not to run and train there. Not in Orlando where I have nothing but
quality runs and workouts. I get solid sparring here in Orlando with
partners who have different styles and I EVEN went over to the gym owned by
my idol, Roy Jones, Jr., in Pensacola.
“It’s especially difficult being here during the pandemic with so many of
my family and friends back in Hartford. I’m still showed a lot of love back
there where I have my roots. Florida is awesome, but I still have a lot of
living left, so we’ll need to wait to see what’s ahead for me in the
future.”
Meanwhile, Rivera and Blanco found a strong ally and friend in Hall of
Famer *Christy Martin*, who is now a boxing promoter in Florida and North
Carolina. Rivera’s last fight was this past August 15th in Daytona Beach
(FL) on a Martin-promoted card, in which he knocked out *Ryan Soft* in the
opening round.
“Popeye” is scheduled to fight on her February 12th show in Orlando against
veteran Mexican fighter *Ulises “El Cirillo” Jimenez* (24-26-1, 18 KOs) in
an 8-round featured bout.
“This will be the fifth time I’ve fought on one of her cards,” Rivera
noted. “She’s awesome. Boxing is a little cutthroat, but I felt comfortable
with Christy right away. She doesn’t need to have me fighting on her cards.
I’m blessed to have her continue to watch after me. I’m also blessed to
have a promoter like *Joe DeGuardia* (Star Boxing), especially during this
pandemic, because he doesn’t have to let me fight on cards that he doesn’t
promote like on February 12th.”
The feeling between Martin and Team Popeye is mutual. “I really like Popeye
and Tony,” Martin offered. “He understands that this isn’t all about
fighting. Fighters need to market themselves. and everybody here loves
Popeye. After each fight he goes to talk to fans, especially kids, sign
autographs for them and pose for pictures. There’s nothing like being here
in Florida. It’s the best for training. Good weather all around and coming
from the north like him, no excuses to work-out because of the cold. He’s
improved the basic stuff since I first watched him. He’s keeping his head
up, improved his power, and is more relaxed in the ring. He’s certainly
headed in the right direction. He hasn’t been in any battles and I think
he’s getting ready to take a big leap into a title fight.”
Rivera has benefitted from being promoted by DeGuardia in several ways,
including his role as a regular sparring partner for Star Boxing light
heavyweight *Joe Smith, Jr.* (26-3, 21 KOs), who is preparing for a Feb. 13
th showdown with *Maxim Vlasov* (45-3 (26 KOs) airing on ESPN live from The
Bubble in Las Vegas. They will fight for the vacant World Boxing
Organization Light Heavyweight Championship of the World.
“‘Popeye’ is a colorful character and an exciting fighter who has a very
entertaining style,” DeGuardia remarked. “He has a great way about him.”
When asked about putting “Popeye” on Christy’s show, DeGuardia stated:
“Every decision is unique and made with a view towards what’s best for both
the promoter and fighter. Does it make sense? Is it good for Star Boxing
and our fighters? If it fits, I have no problem having our fighter on
somebody else’s card. This makes sense for everybody. Christy gets a good,
featured fighter on her card, hopefully ‘Popeye’ gets a win, and our
fighter stays busy. While in this COVID-19 pandemic a few good wins for
your fighter is a good thing,”
His heart may always be in Hartford, but ‘Popeye” Rivera has found a new
home in Orlando, and his boxing career continues to rise.
