Lightweight contender Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera (24-1) is anxiously awaiting his return to the ring.
He was last in action on December 17th when he dropped a unanimous decision to rising lightweight Frank Martin in Las Vegas, Nevada in a Showtime televised main event.
The Al Haymon advised fighter looked lethargic throughout the bout. Later it was revealed that he had a hospital visit prior to the fight which stemmed from complications to his weight cut and that he had also failed a drug test.
Rivera tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene, both of which are on the banned list under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code. Hydrochlorothiazide and triamterene are both considered diuretics and largely identified as water pills. The combination of the two help reduce fluid retention and reduce blood pressure.
According to Rivera, his suspension is now over and he is going to have a busy second half of 2023.
“My suspension ended on June 17th,” Rivera told BoxingScene.com. “My pursuit of a world championship continues. I am going to fight two times this year. I still want to fight Gervonta Davis and I want a rematch with Frank Martin.”
Rivera also said that he has revamped his team. He is now training under the guidance of Rocky Gonzalez who among others, trains 135 pound contender Jermaine Ortiz. Rivera was previously trained by Herman Caicedo.
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