Junior welterweight Michel Rivera is now training with Ismael Salas in Las Vegas, hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Dominican fighters who have had success with the coach.
Rivera defeated Hugo Alberto Roldan via a split decision in July, which was his most recent appearance in the ring.
Rivera, 26-1 (14 KOs), hopes to be the next fighter from the Dominican Republic to win a world title while training with Salas. He shares the same manager as WBC middleweight titleholder Carlos Adames in Jorge Herasme, who offered Rivera some advice.
“My manager said he wanted me in this gym because he said I would be the best version of me right here,” Rivera told BoxingScene. “I believe this is a good step for my career.”
Originally from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Rivera is in camp awaiting an official fight date. He is on a two-fight winning streak since moving up to junior welterweight, after losing to Frank Martin in 2022 via a unanimous decision. That marked his last fight at lightweight, and Rivera believes he has learned from the fight and grown.
“I am in a situation in my life where I have more experience, and I know everything will be different,” Rivera said. “I am ready to beat anyone at 140lbs.”
Rivera, 27, is currently rated No. 13 by the IBF. Currently, Salas trains the following Dominican titleholders: Adames, WBC junior welterweight titleholder Alberto Puello and WBA junior flyweight titleholder Erick Rosa. The environment has already served as a motivation for the next stage of Rivera’s career.
“I like it here. Salas has worked with a lot of Dominican champions, and it is motivating me to be better,” Rivera said. “I want to be the next Dominican champion from the gym.”
Lucas Ketelle is the author of “Inside the Ropes of Boxing,” a guide for young fighters, a writer for BoxingScene and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Find him on X at .
