Ben Whittaker calls Richard Rivera ‘Olive Oyl’ ahead of US debut

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After Rivera weighed in at 173.8 pounds and Whittaker came in at 174.4 pounds, the undefeated British contender wasted little time taking verbal shots at his opponent following their exchange.

“I feel good, man. What’s good, Brooklyn? Thanks for pulling up, man. Joe, you saw him then. Hey, man. He doesn’t believe it himself. He brought that pipe again. I told him about it yesterday. He calls himself Popeye. He’s more like Olive Oyl, man. Tomorrow it’s work time. I want to thank my Lord and Savior, so I said why I’m going tomorrow night, and Jesus will see Christ special.” at the weigh-in.

Whittaker (11-0-1, 8 KOs), the reigning WBC Silver light heavyweight champion and 2020 Olympic silver medalist, has scored knockouts in each of his last three victories. Asked if he expects another stoppage, he redoubled his confidence.

“Yeah, I just feel like I’m better in every department. What everyone else has to do, I can do better. And tomorrow you’re going to see why I’m the most talked about,” says Whittaker.

Rivera, meanwhile, remained calm despite Whittaker’s comments. The American challenger said simply reaching this stage represented the realization of a lifelong ambition.

“Honestly, I’m blessed to be here. I mean, I feel like I’ve already won,” Rivera says. “I’m living my dream. I’m really here to do what I’ve been doing since I was a kid, and it’s finally paying off. Man, I’m blessed. I’m overwhelmed with joy.”

When asked how he planned to upset one of boxing’s most highly regarded prospects after an 18-month layoff, Rivera didn’t want to reveal much.

“What I’m gonna do is what I’m gonna do. I’ll just leave it like that,” said Rivera.

The fight marks Whittaker’s first professional appearance in the United States and is part of the Matchroom Boxing card from Brooklyn, New York. The 10-round contest will be contested for the WBC Silver light heavyweight title.