Undefeated lightweight contender Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera (22-0) has signed a pact with influential advisor/manager Al Haymon, sources told BoxingScene.com.

The 23-year-old Dominican Republic native was last in action in October when he won a lopsided decision over Jose Matias Romero. He has been a staple of Premier Boxing Champions’ telecasts over the past three years on both Showtime and FOX networks.

His promoter Sampson Lewkowicz works closely with Haymon and has several fighters fighting under the PBC umbrella.

Rivera burst onto the scene in 2020 when he stopped rugged veteran Fidel Maldonado Jr. in 10 rounds. In addition to Romero, he also holds victories over the likes of Jon Fernandez, Ladarius Miller, and Juan Rene Tellez.

The sources also said that Rivera will return to the ring on a date in February. The date and opponent is expected to be announced soon.

If all goes according to his team’s plan, Rivera will have a breakout year in 2022. He is currently training in Las Vegas for his ring return. 

Rivera is ranked in the top fifteen by all four major sanctioning bodies and likely will be fighting for a world title in the near future.

Haymon’s list of clients includes several of the biggest names in the sport. Names such as Errol Spence, Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz, Danny Garcia, Jermell and Jermall Charlo, and many others.  

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