Danny Garcia is brewing a brand new Philly star in Johnny Rivera and drew a thousand to show it

PHILADELPHIA, PA — It was every week after one in all Philadelphia boxing’s greatest accomplishments, drawing 14,119 to the Wells Fargo Heart for Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ first IBF welterweight title protection towards late-replacement David Avanesyan. You’ll determine Philly would have its fill of boxing.

Not precisely.

Danny Garcia, the 36-year-old former two-division world titlist, is molding a brand new rising star in Johnny “Totally different Breed” Rivera. On July 20, the again of the 2300 Enviornment in South Philly was packed. The place could match 1,300. There have been simply a 1,000 that confirmed up for welterweight Rivera’s four-round choice victory over 19-fight veteran Nelson Morales, who got here in at 154.

Rivera, simply 18, was the primary fighter to signal beneath Garcia’s Swift Promotions banner and is 3-0, with two stoppages. Towards Morales, 32, the younger junior welterweight could have been just a little extra continuously than he preferred, however the victory, plus the turnout, bodes effectively for future fights in Philly.

“It was an awesome evening and we bought 1,000 individuals,” Garcia stated. “Johnny weighed 147, and the child weighed 154, however we’ve such perception in Johnny that he had the abilities to win. This confirmed that the individuals in Philly nonetheless love boxing. This was an awesome begin. We bought 1,000 tonight, after which we begin constructing extra and get to greater arenas the place we are able to get 2,000 in there. The aim is to construct these guys like Johnny and construct their model.”

In Rivera, there’s loads to work with. He is an efficient trying, flashy welterweight. His household is the equal to the Philly combating Fundoras. Johnny Rivera Sr. is his son’s coach. Johnny Sr. has two youthful youngsters who’re additionally fighters, nationally ranked of their respective weight lessons and age teams. The Riveras went by way of seven opponents that turned the combat down.

After Ennis, Garcia’s Rivera could also be one other Philly draw.

“Morales made Johnny work, and it will have been good to go six rounds, however this man needed 4 rounds and survive and we had been completely happy he took the combat, as a result of nobody else would,” Rivera Sr. stated. “We wish to get proper again within the ring August 16. This Morales was a a lot bigger man, and simply 160, 165 kilos and my son got here in tonight round 149. That (weight disparity) gained’t occur once more. Johnny is eighteen and is a 19-time nationwide newbie champion. He’s going to proceed studying and rising.”

What’s refreshing about Rivera is his accountability.

“I’m not completely happy in any respect, I may have minimize weight much better than I did, and I might give myself a C-minus, as a result of I’ve finished way more,” Rivera Jr. stated. “I didn’t absolutely prepare for this the way in which I used to be imagined to, and I’ve to be on my weight higher. I crashed weight final minute. I’ll are available approach stronger the subsequent time I combat.”

Rivera was again within the gymnasium two days after the combat on Monday. He is aware of he has to sharpen his protection. He is aware of he must be extra disciplined.

Garcia is aware of the long run seems to be vibrant for Rivera.

“I feel Johnny has a variety of me in him,” Garcia stated. “He works laborious, he’s dedicated to the game and solely 18. He nonetheless has issues to study, and I like the truth that he is aware of it. He’s good now, and may be so significantly better. We have now time. We may be affected person. I’m trying to assist him with the expertise I’ve out and in of the ring. We had 1,000 individuals tonight. Should you got here late, it will take some time to park the place was so packed. That is only the start for Swift Promotions and Johnny Rivera.”