By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com has been informed that veteran Cosme Rivera (32-11, 22KOs) has stepped up to fight junior middleweight prospect Alfredo Angulo (14-0, 11KOs) on the February 14 HBO televised tripleheader from the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.

Rivera is the third opponent in less than two weeks for Angulo. Last week, former two division champion Ricardo Mayorga pulled out after a reported injury claim, which turned out to be a swerve for more money. On Monday, late-sub Danny Perez pulled out after a verbal agreement to take the fight.

"Rivera has stepped in. We have a signed contract," Gary Shaw, Angulo's promoter, told BoxingScene.com.

Rivera is a very good opponent when considering the short notice. He gave Joel Julio all he could handle during their bout in 2006, and gave Andre Berto a very tough test in 2007. He actually dropped and hurt Berto during the sixth round of their fight. The guy can punch and the fight should have fireworks.

Also on the show, Nate Campbell defends his WBO/IBF lightweight titles against Ali Funeka and Sergio Martinez defends his WBC interim-junior middleweight title against Kermit Cintron.