Janiel Rivera hails from Manati, Puerto Rico. He became a professional boxer 5 months before his 19th birthday in July 2010. Two years later, he beat two Mexican boxers in two different fights to win two WBC belts (FECABOX and Silver Minimum titles).
As of May 2022, his boxing records stand at 18-8-3.
Check Out These 7 Interesting Details About Janiel Rivera
1. How Old Is He?
He was born Janiel Luis Rivera Lopez on the 16th of December 1991 in Manati, Puerto Rico to his parents. The boxer who is currently 33 years old seems to be skeptical about revealing private details of his life and family to the media. Therefore, there is next to nothing on his childhood and family background.
2. Puerto Rico Adopted Spanish As Her Official Language A Few Months Before His Birth
Two significant events that ensured the cultural and political significance of Puerto Rico took place in the same year Janiel Rivera was born. In April 1991, then Puerto Rican governor, Rafael Hernandez Colon made Spanish the official language of Puerto Rico after signing the bill into law. The law automatically overrules a law promulgated in 1902 that made both English and Spanish official languages.
Exactly 8 days before his birth, a constitutional referendum was held on 8th December 1991 to review the Island’s commonwealth status. The majority of the voters accounting for 54.1% rejected the terms of the amendment. Thus, voting to maintain the status quo.
3. The Puerto Rican Boxer Made His Professional Boxing Debut Before Turning 19
Rivera made his first professional boxing appearance 4 before marking his 19th birthday. It was in a fight with fellow Puerto Rican boxer Manuel Torres which took place on 16th July 2010 at the Coliseo Cosme Beitia Salamo, Catano.
Interestingly, he marked his debut with a victory over Torres in a unanimous decision. Similarly, he has won 18 and lost 8 of his fights. Most importantly, he won 2 WBC titles 2 years after his debut. He first beat Mexican boxer Omar Soto to become the WBC FECARBOX champion on the 20th of October 2012. After 2 months, he defeated Mexican boxer Juan Lopez Martinez on 6th December 2012 to clinch the WBC Silver Minimum title.
Also See-Emanuel Augustus- Interesting Rise Of The Boxer And His Sad End- 10 Facts
4. He Dedicated His Win Over Mexico’s Juan Lopez Martinez To His Country, Family, And Daughter
To win the WBC silver belt, the Puerto Rican knockout Mexico’s Juan Lopez Martinez in the 4th round. After the win, Rivera appreciated God for achieving the feat which he never thought he would, but he did through hard work.
As matter of fact, he dedicated the victory first to his daughter, family, and Puerto Rico. Also, he appreciated his team, Roberto Nevarez, Andres Oritz, Jose Anibal Soto, and Luis Cintron for helping him get there.
At that time, he was under Miguel Cotto Promotions and H2 Entertainment. And as of then, he became the second boxer under the promotion to win the WBC silver title in less than 7 days. The other boxer was Jayson Velez.
5. Rivera Failed To Take Pedro Guevera’s Title In 2019
The 33 year-old Puerto Rican boxer thought he would emerge victorious with another title from Mexico 7 years after beating Juan Lopez Martinez. He faced Mexican boxer Pedro Guevera on the 20th of July 2019 who put his WBC FECARBOX super flyweight title on the line. However, Rivera’s mission became impossible as he was thwarted by the Mexican who won by a unanimous decision to keep to his title.
Prior to the bout, “Pototo” as he is fondly called said Puerto Rican boxing is superior to Mexican boxing. He reminisced the notable victories of Puerto Rican boxers such as Ivan Calderon, Sixto Escobar, Wilfried Gomez, Felix Trinidad, and Juan Manuel Lopez over Mexican boxers.
Similarly, he went as far as giving assurances that he would beat Pedro Guevera even on his turf. Unfortunately, things didn’t go his way.
6. How Rich Is He?
Rivera just like every other professional boxer earns decently from boxing. These earnings come from competing in a boxing bout. Multiple sources stated that a boxer makes an average of $20,000 to $35,000 annually.
If this is anything to go, the Puerto Rican boxer’s net worth could be estimated at $500,000. This is possible if the number of fights and the years he has spent as a pro boxer is considered.
Besides, if he continues to fight, his net worth is expected to increase as the years roll by.
7. Is He Tall?
He is 5ft 7in (1.73m) tall. This is considered to be below the average height of men in Puerto Rica. For a Puerto Rican man to be seen as having an average height, he should be around 5ft 10inc (1.78m).
Discussion about this post