Imam Khataev will fight against Richard Rivera on December 11 in a 10-round light heavyweight fight in the Lac Leamy Casino, Gatineau, Canada.
Rebuild to Queens
#7 WBA-approved Khataev (10-1, 9 COs) will want to jump back on July 12 in Queens, New York, from his defeat to David Morrell.
It was a close struggle that highlighted the positive and negative factors of Olympic bronze medalist Khataev of 2020. He fought in the first half and dropped Morrell in the fifth round with a large right hand.
Late in the fight, Khataev disappeared and looked vulnerable when Morrell loaded on him with combinations. Fortunately for him, Morrell would go back inexplicably rather than go to the knockout. It was a strange performance of the Cuban, like a cat playing with his food. He looked like he wanted to knock Khataev out.
Rivera: The Veteran Gatekeeper
A few years ago, Rivera was seen as a potential player in the 175 pound division. His career momentum has delayed since he suffered a 10 -round defeat against Badou Jack on August 20, 2022. Rivera won four fights before losing against a major Puncher Luis Antonio Tejeda on March 2, 2024, with a majority decision in the Dominican Republic.
Khataev must demonstrate his pedigree by providing Rivera, 34, to be taken seriously as a future world champion or even a contender for a world title fight. Rivera is not a top aircraft at this point in his career. For him to go the distance, Khataev will reflect badly.
The endurance -question comes back
Imam’s loss of Morrell was his second consecutive performance in which he threw out in the later rounds. The way he disappeared in the latter half of the competition emphasized the flaws in his game. Early, he is like Betterbiev 2.0 with his power play and the way he takes the fight to his opponent. His endurance makes him defeatable.
Dan Ambrose has been covered since 2011 and provides reliable insight into the greatest fights of the sport.
Last updated on 10/14/2025
