José Antonio Rivera (born April 7, 1973) is an American professional boxer of Puerto Rican descent. He is a former WBA welterweight and super welterweight champion.[1][2][3]

Jose Antonio Rivera
José Antonio Rivera in October 2007
Born (1973-04-07) April 7, 1973 (age 51)
Other namesEl Gallo
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights50
Wins43
Wins by KO25
Losses6
Draws1
No contests0

Professional career

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October 1992 marked the date Jose became a professional boxer. From here he fought his way to becoming Massachusetts State Champion twice, the USBA Regional Champion, the IBO World Champion, and the NABA Champion.

On September 13, 2003, in Germany, Jose fought unbeaten European Champion Michel Trabant and walked away with the WBA Welterweight Championship of the World.

On April 2, 2005, in his defense of the WBA title, Jose lost a very close split decision to his challenger Luis Collazo.

On May 6, 2006, Jose would move up a weight class to Junior Middleweight and fight Champion Alejandro Garcia. He managed to knock him down five times and won to become the new WBA Champion.

On January 6, 2007, Jose defended his new WBA title against Travis Simms but lost in a ninth-round TKO (Technical Knock Out).

In October he was KOd by Daniel Santos. He had announced his intention to retire before that fight, and did so.

Jose made a brief one-fight comeback in August 2008, beating Clarence Taylor in an 8-round decision, then retired again after suffering a hand injury. He plans to make a second comeback in his hometown of Worcester, Mass., on May 20, 2011, against Luis Maysonet.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The Week in Sports." Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The Philadelphia Inquirer, April 30, 2006, p. I05 (subscription required).
  2. ^ "April 17," in "Pro Boxing." Allentown, Pennsylvania: The Morning Call, April 1, 2004, p. C5 (subscription required).
  3. ^ "Boxing Schedule." Carlisle, Pennsylvania: The Sentinel, April 11, 2004, p. C10 (subscription required).
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Sporting positions
Minor world boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Kevin Lueshing
IBO welterweight champion
April 25, 1997 – 1998
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Dingaan Thobela
Major world boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Ricardo Mayorga
Elevated to super champ
WBA welterweight champion
Regular title

September 13, 2003–April 2, 2005
Succeeded by
Preceded by WBA light middleweight champion
May 6, 2006–January 6, 2007
Succeeded by