Ben Whittaker will fight in America for the first time when he faces Richard Rivera at the Barclays Centre in New York, and an early knockout is essential to make a statement that leaves a lasting impression, according to former world champion Barry McGuigan.
American Skepticism
The Americans are already underpricing Whittaker, dismissing him as an over-rated showpony. Rivera has called out Whittaker's style, claiming the cocky demeanor is a disguise to hide his fear and vowing to expose him. McGuigan notes that showy antics generally turn off American audiences unless delivered by icons like Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather Jr., or Muhammad Ali.
Whittaker's Talent and Opportunity
Whittaker, an Olympic silver medalist, is still learning as a professional. This fight is a crucial step for him to prove he is as good as he claims. Rivera's record is built against journeymen and novices; his most notable result was a split-decision loss to Badou Jack four years ago at cruiserweight, and his only other defeat was a majority decision against novice Luis Antonio Tejeda two years ago.
McGuigan's Advice
McGuigan advises Whittaker to keep it simple, stop the kidology, and get Rivera out of there early. "He needs to show the New York crowd that he can be ruthless as well as cocky, and the way to do that is with an early stoppage. There is no better message than that," McGuigan wrote. He emphasizes that America is the home of showmen like Sugar Ray Robinson, Hector Camacho, Pernell Whitaker, and Roy Jones Jr., but being a flashy entertainer won't win over the crowd—a knockout might.
