Puerto Rican amateur star Yankiel Rivera has signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom – and will fight for the third time in the paid ranks on the undercard of the undisputed double-header with Amanda Serrano vs. Erika Cruz and Alycia Baumgardner vs. Elhem Mekhaled on Saturday February 4th at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, live on DAZN. ‘El Doctorcito’ will be looking to make it three KOs in three tries when he takes on Fernando Diaz (11-2-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds. Rivera (2-0, 2 KOs) turned pro in Colombia in September with a first-round KO win and quickly made it two wins inside the distance with a third-round KO in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico in November.

 

The 25 year old, campaigning at flyweight, was Puerto Rico’s sole representative at the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, and boasted a record of 133-14, winning a host of medals and twice fighting at the World Championships. “Today is a date I will never forget,” said Rivera. “Although this is not my ultimate goal in the sport, signing with Matchroom constitutes a landmark in my career and a dream come true. I am humbled and excited to now be part of this great team, and I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Matchroom. This is the best motivation to keep working hard and keep learning. I am ready to deliver. To my people in New York, I will see you on February 4th and I promise you a great performance.”

 

“I am delighted to welcome Yankiel to the team,” said Matchroom's Eddie Hearn. “The amateur pedigree speaks for itself, and he’s made a great start to life in the pro game. The brilliant Puerto Rico fight fans in New York will already be out in force to see Amanda Serrano, and Yankiel will become an instant hit with them.

 

“We have been tracking him for some time and he was set to fight in Puerto Rico on February 11th, but the chance arose to land him on this blockbuster card in the Big Apple and I am thrilled to be able to give this huge talent such a great platform in his first fight with Matchroom.”