Khataev Seeks Redemption Vs. Rivera After Morrell Defeat

Imam Khataev will likely be preventing Richard Rivera in a 10-round mild heavyweight combat on December 11 on the Lac Leamy On line casino, Gatineau, Canada.

Rebuilding After Queens

#7 WBA-ranked Khataev (10-1, 9 KOs) will likely be trying to bounce again from his defeat final summer season towards David Morrell on July 12 in Queens, New York.

It was an in depth combat that highlighted each the positives and negatives of 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Khataev’s sport. He fought within the first half, dropping Morrell within the fifth spherical with a giant proper hand.

Late within the combat, Khataev pale and appeared weak when Morrell unloaded on him with mixtures. Luckily for him, Morrell would inexplicably again off quite than going for the knockout. It was a bizarre efficiency from the Cuban, like a cat enjoying with its meals. He appeared like he needed to knock out Khataev.

Rivera: The Veteran Gatekeeper

Just a few years again, Rivera was seen as a possible participant within the 175-lb division. His profession momentum has slowed since struggling a 10-round cut up determination defeat towards Badou Jack on August 20, 2022. Rivera received 4 fights earlier than dropping to the massive puncher Luis Antonio Tejeda by an eight-round majority determination final 12 months within the Dominican Republic on March 2, 2024.

Khataev should show his pedigree by knocking out Rivera, 34, to be taken significantly as a future world champion or perhaps a contender deserving of a world title combat. Rivera isn’t a top-tier fighter at this level in his profession. For him to go the space would mirror poorly on Khataev.

The Stamina Query Returns

Imam’s loss to Morrell was his second consecutive efficiency by which he gassed out within the later rounds. The way in which he pale within the final half of the competition highlighted the issues in his sport. Early on, he’s like Beterbiev 2.0 along with his energy sport and the way in which he takes the combat to his opponent. His stamina makes him beatable.

Dan Ambrose has lined boxing since 2011, providing trusted perception on the game’s largest fights.