A true clash of styles and trajectories unfolds on Saturday, April 18th as Stamford’s Slawomir "Heavy Hitter" Bohdziewicz (7-0, 6 KOs) meets Manchester's Jose Carlos “Rated R” Rivera (9-4-1, 5 KOs) in an all-Connecticut light heavyweight showdown at CES Boxing’s 'The Riverside Rumble' at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. Tickets are on sale now at CESFights.com. Doors open at 4pm, with the Jimmy Burchfield Classic Invitational amateur showcase beginning at 5pm.For Bohdziewicz, the bout marks another proving ground. The 6’2” Polish-born power puncher has been clinical since turning pro, breaking down and stopping six of his seven opponents while looking to establish himself as a legitimate threat in the light heavyweight division.
Based in Stamford for the past ten years, Bohdziewicz combines a disciplined, methodical approach with genuine knockout power—traits that have made him extremely popular amongst the Polish-American community. With stoppage victories in each of his last three fights, he enters April 18th looking to make another statement. “Training camp was solid," said a stoic Bohdziewicz a week from the fight. "I trained at Heavy Hitting Boxing and Fitness and at the Ortiz Boxing Gym in Bridgeport where Jacob 'Lefty' Marrero trains. Sparring went really well and the preparation has been very positive."
Standing across the ring from Slawomir on Saturday will be an equally popular opponent in Rivera, a seasoned southpaw who has quietly put together one of the more consistent stretches of his career. The Manchester native of Puerto Rican descent enters the bout 3-0-1 in his last four fights and brings a mix of experience, durability, and ring IQ that can test even the most promising prospects. Known as “Rated R,” Rivera presents a stylistic challenge. Giving up height and reach, he relies on movement, timing, and his southpaw stance to disrupt rhythm and create openings—often forcing opponents into uncomfortable exchanges.
“Jose is a very experienced fighter," agrees Bohdziewicz. "He has 14 professional boxing fights, and he's also had many MMA and kickboxing bouts. His last fight was 3 months ago, so he's been active."
Rivera’s background across multiple combat sports, combined with his recent activity and form, only adds to the intrigue of a matchup that pits a rising puncher against a savvy veteran capable of flipping the script.
On paper, it’s a classic crossroads fight. For Bohdziewicz, it’s an opportunity to prove he can break down a durable, experienced opponent and continue his climb up the light heavyweight ranks. For Rivera, it’s a chance to stop the rise of an unbeaten prospect and reassert himself in the regional picture. "The ring will verify everything," said the curt but confident Bohdziewicz.
