An unusual feel-good story is coming out of Dominican lightweight Michel “La Zarza” Rivera’s fifth-round stoppage of super game Jose Luis Gallegos on FS2 last Saturday night at the Rabobank Theater in Bakersfield.
At the pre-fight weigh-in the day before the fight, Rivera (17-0, 11 KOs) made weight, but Gallegos (16-8, 12 KOs) came in slightly over the contracted weight of 136. Under California rules, he had two hours to make weight. He was not able to and faced a total fine of $1600 from his purse, half of which went to the commission and half to Rivera.
Well aware of the torture fighters go through to make weight and seeing Gallegos’ honest effort to lose the extra pound, Rivera vowed not to accept the money, but was told by the state it was already added to his check.
The fight went ahead with Rivera dominating all five rounds and landing over 50% of his punches to the ultra-tough Gallegos’ head and body. While the courageous Gallegos was never down or visibly in trouble from the onslaught, referee Marcos Rosales stopped the one-sided bout before round six to prevent further damage.
True to his word after the bout, the 21-year-old prospect Rivera personally visited Gallegos’ dressing room and handed him back the $800 he had gained from the State’s fines.
Battered and swollen from a hematoma on his forehead from a clash of heads, the grateful Gallegos happily accepted the uncommon gesture of sportsmanship.
“I’ve never heard of a fighter doing something like this,” said Rivera’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. “In all my years of boxing. This just goes to show what a special talent and outstanding young man Michel Rivera is. This really said something about his character and I’m happy to be part of his very promising career.”
Good job guy!!! You are showing the world what a man you are.
Thanks for Posting the Up Lifting Boxing News * * * * *
5 Stars for Dominican lightweight Michel “La Zarza” Rivera.
I became a Fan, will try to follow the Young Champ’s career !
True
Paul D’ The Punch Professor
Gran gesto de su parte estamos aradesidos con el grasias
It would be awesome if the commission followed suit and give their portion to Rivera.
Exactly!!! Why would the commission get 50%? The opponent went threw the pain to make weight, not the fat cats standing around looking at half naked men get on a scale.
What do these commissions do to earn anything?
Don’t really understand why the commission receive 50% of the fine. Should just give it all the opponents, they are the one taking all the risk
My Nacka! The commission are big smelly turds!
I love this guy. This is what a true gentleman does. If Rivera ever wishes to apply for US Citizenship, I will gladly endorse it.
$800 citizenship. Good deal
proud of the young man. keep up the good work.
Rivera felt bad picking a cab driver to fight. Opponent was likely a short notice opponent doing them a favor to help pad his record. Fine gesture nonetheless
This guy did something bigger than the sport we love.. He showed he was a man of honor and that is almost extinct in this day and age. The commission is parasitic and leech off every opportunity they can. God bless both of these boxers! Finally someone stepping up and being the goods as a PERSON!
A touch of class.
Class act by Rivera, the commission should follow suit and lead by example!
Im a cutman and I was in the locker room when this happened. Everyone was kind of shocked to see what was happening but also we were all very happy with what we witnessed. Definitely an enormous gesture of sportsmanship and understanding
So, they get paid in cash or did Rivera actually cut him a check in the locker room?