Well, I have to qualify it. This is a joke of a belt since one of the two HEAVYWEIGHT champions is a phenom who fights under this "bridgerweight" limit. Also, the weight classes are now screwy because there is more distance between LHW and cruiser than cruiser and bridge, which makes no sense. The WBC pissed away even more credibility by sanctioning a fight between Rivas and the #15 contender, and in a really stupid way since #2 Romanov has internet buzz from beating Wilder in the ams, and people might have liked to see Rivas and Romanov. And tonight, Rivas had a tough fight against an unknown opponent. So there are a lot of caveats. That being said, hats of to Rivas, who had a rough road. He was always a bit too small to be a heavy. He has suffered from very bad vision problems and at one point, I believe he could not get sanctioned. And we all know he put Whyte on the ground and still had a somewhat dodgy decision go against him. So becoming a champion, even in such absurd circumstances, is an accomplishment that I will salute for a guy who deserved a break. So congratulations, Oscar. Now let's see you defend against Romanov sooner rather than later, and hopefully, a certain Mr. Gassiev will become interested. Rivas vs Romanov and Rivas vs Gassiev are good fights!
Belt was practically given to him. No tournament or anything. These two are the best in this stupid weight class ?
For me this is even less of a title as the WBC Silver belt. Certainly when looking at the two fighting for it. Rivas I could see, but his original opponent Jennings was coming off 2 losses and inactive, and the Cruiserweight replacement, did he ever beat a close to top100 guy ever I wonder?!
Can we agree how dumb this division is? Rivas weighed more for his fight yesterday than Usyk did against Joshia
What a patronising offering, this post. Also - what? Are you suggesting that Rivas won that bout with Whyte?
The situation deserves some patronization. Rivas scored the knockdown in what was otherwise a dull, grinding affair.
Good on Old Man Rivas for winning a belt, albeit a meaningless one. Not sure where he goes from here though. Not a lot of options in this poverty division.
