After nearly a year out of the ring, Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera (25-1) returned to the winner’s column with a unanimous decision victory over Sergey Lipinets (17-3-1) on Saturday night in Las Vegas at the Michelob Ultra Arena inside of the Mandalay Bay resort and Casino. The fight took place on the David Benavidez versus Demetrius Andrade undercard that was distributed by Showtime pay-per-view. 

This past December, Rivera, who fights under the Premier Boxing Champions’ banner, suffered his first loss as a professional when he was outpointed by the unbeaten Frank Martin in a bout that also took place in Las Vegas. That fight took place in the lightweight division. 

The fight against Lipinets took place in the super lightweight division and the Dominican Republic native would like nothing more than to welcome Gervonta “Tank” Davis back into the division. Davis captured a title at 140 Pounds in 2021 when he stopped Mario Barrios in 11 rounds and subsequently dropped down in weight. 

“It was an honor to share the ring with an ex-champion like Lipinets. He showed his abilities and qualities, and I was able to beat him via unanimous decision, and almost got the KO as the underdog,” Rivera told Boxingscene.com. 

“I would love to welcome Gervonta back to the 140 pound division and take away his undefeated record, but if that isn’t possible, give me fighters like a Teofimo Lopez or Devin Haney. 

I also believe that a fight against Subirel Matias is possible. I believe he would share the ring with me. He is a fighter of honor. I am certain that he would give me the opportunity.”

Matias, who holds the IBF super lightweight title, also fought on the Benavidez-Andrade undercard and made his fifth opponent in a row quit when Shohjahon Ergaahev refused to get off his stool to begin the sixth round of their fight.  

Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter