In a surprising turn of events, Michel Rivera rebounded from his first professional loss with a significant victory that stands out in his career. This Saturday, the Dominican fighter defeated former IBF junior welterweight champion Sergey Lipinets in a compelling 10-round bout on the undercard of the David Benavidez-Demetrius Andrade fight at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino’s Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.
Despite a slow start, Rivera (25-1, 14 KOs) showcased his boxing prowess and secured a unanimous decision victory over Lipinets (17-3-1, 13 KOs). Judges Eric Cheek (97-93), Glenn Feldman (96-94), and Steve Weisfeld (97-93) all scored the fight in favor of Rivera, who strategically fought off his back foot and tactfully outmaneuvered Lipinets throughout the match.
This win marks Rivera’s debut as a full-fledged junior welterweight, following his defeat by undefeated lightweight contender Frank Martin in December. Lipinets, on the other hand, suffered his second loss in the last three fights, making Rivera’s victory all the more impressive.
Prior to the final round, Lipinets needed a knockout to turn the tide in his favor, as Rivera had clearly established a commanding lead. Rivera’s disciplined approach and strategic boxing style allowed him to maintain control and secure the win.
Rivera’s dominance was evident in his precise execution throughout the fight, landing key punches and effectively countering Lipinets’ advances. His calculated right hand blows and swift footwork kept Lipinets on the defensive, ultimately leading to Rivera’s triumph.
From the initial round to the final moments, Rivera showcased his mastery of the sport, asserting his control and outmaneuvering Lipinets at every turn. His tactical boxing style and strategic movements left a lasting impression, solidifying his victory in spectacular fashion.
Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.
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