Here Comes the Kaboom: Top Ranks Signs Heavyweight Contender Oscar Rivas to Promotional Pact
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 14 Feb 2020
(Feb. 13, 2020) — Heavyweight contender Oscar “Kaboom” Rivas, the Colombian-born, Canadian-based puncher on the precipice of a world title shot, has inked a multi-fight promotional agreement with Top Rank. Rivas, who is co-promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel, will return on an ESPN platform in 2020.
Rivas (26-1, 18 KOs), ranked No. 3 by the WBC, represented Colombia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics before moving to Montreal to begin his professional career.
“Top Rank is in the heavyweight business, and we are pleased to be partnering with Yvon Michel to help Oscar get to the next level,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He fits right in the heavyweight picture and has the skills and toughness to compete against anyone in the division.”
Said Michel: “Oscar Rivas is ready to send a strong message, as he has the style to beat any heavyweight on any given day. It is with great enthusiasm that we are confirming this partnership for Oscar with Top Rank.”
“I am very proud and excited to join forces with Top Rank. I thank Top Rank for believing in me,” Rivas said. “I also want to thank my manager, Stéphane Lepine, and my promoter, Yvon Michel, for their leadership and guidance from the beginning of my career.
“I am still a bit bitter over the circumstances surrounding my last fight in London against Dillian Whyte, and I hope that one day we will fight a rematch on an even playing field. As for Dillian, I know he will do all he can to avoid this, but nothing will ever stop me from becoming a world champion. I am ready to take on any challenge.”
Rivas was undefeated when he traveled to Whyte’s home turf last July in a fight for the vacant WBC interim heavyweight world title. Rivas knocked White down in the ninth round but ultimately lost a close unanimous decision. The Whyte defeated put a temporary halt to Rivas’ momentum, as he began his 2019 campaign with a dramatic 12th-round TKO over Bryant Jennings.
Rivas now joins Top Rank’s loaded heavyweight stable, which includes lineal champion Tyson Fury and top contenders Kubrat Pulev, Agit Kabayel, Carlos Takam and Jarrell Miller. As an amateur, Rivas defeated Pulev and former unified heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
3rd Horse Show & competition scheduled on February 21-22
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 19 Feb 2026Robinsons Bacolod Chess Festival set
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 19 Feb 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Alex Bray Set for WBA Continental Latin American Title Clash February 20 in Orlando
Thu, 19 Feb 2026Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Calls out Jai Opetaia
Thu, 19 Feb 2026BREAKING NEWS: DAZN AND MATCHROOM BOXING SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL
Thu, 19 Feb 202675 climbers start trekking to Mt. Apo today
Thu, 19 Feb 20264 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Thu, 19 Feb 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Dainier Pero Locked In Ahead of WBA Continental USA Title Defense in Orlando
Wed, 18 Feb 2026A Milestone Birthday: Celebrating Brico Santig's 50 Years of Dedication, and Triumph
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 18 Feb 2026PH bet Chezka Centeno finishes 2nd in Florida
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Feb 2026ARNOLD BARBOZA JR. AND KENNETH SIMS JR. SET FOR HIGH-STAKES CLASH IN CAN’T-MISS MAIN EVENT ON DAZN
Wed, 18 Feb 2026CALLUM SMITH VS DAVID MORRELL MEGA FIGHT SET FOR APRIL 18 IN LIVERPOOL AS PAT BROWN HEADLINES IN HIS HOMETOWN ON APRIL 3
Wed, 18 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Youth High Performance Selection Camp Attendees Announced
Wed, 18 Feb 2026Rapid chessfest gets underway February 22
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 18 Feb 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 16 FEBRUARY 2026: Ajagba, Dzambekov, Ruiz Register Stoppage Wins in Zuffa Event
By Eric Armit, Tue, 17 Feb 2026