Valentin Steps Up Versus Cosme Rivera On Telemundo

By Jake Donovan

Sammy Valentin now has an opponent for his scheduled co-feature slot on March 4 at A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa, Florida. The 21-year old prospect faces by far his most experienced to date as he lands veteran boxer Cosme Rivera, event handlers announced late Wednesday evening. 

The bout will serve as the chief support to a headlining clash between rebounding title challengers Orlando Cruz and Romulo Koasicha, who meet at super featherweight. Both bouts will air live on Telemundo (Friday 11:35 p.m. ET).

"This is a big test for Sammy," notes Felix 'Tutico' Zabala, Jr., whose All Star Boxing signed Valentin (5-0, 4KOs) last October, shortly after having celebrated his first full year in the pro ranks.

The moment was commemorated with a Boxeo Telemundo appearance at the very same venue. scoring a 1st round knockout win over Moises Carrasquillo.

Rivera (38-22-3, 26KOs) figures to present a stiffer challenge for the young boxer, although the 36-year old boxer from Mexico has fallen on hard times as of late. He's reached the point where losses come far more frequently than wins, although he still has enough to pull off the occasional upset. 

As much as learned by Oscar Meza and Ty Barnett in recent years, with Rivera scoring knockout wins over both unsuspecting boxers. He enters Friday's fight, however, having lost two straight, including a 6th round stoppage to unbeaten Emmanuel DeJesus last October on Telemundo.

"Sammy will have to be on top of his game to come out on top against a well-experienced veteran like Cosme 'Chino' Rivera," Zabala insists. "Chino has shown what he can do at his best, proving that he's no walkover opponent. This is a fight that can steal the show, and a chance for Sammy to really show what he can do when posed with a challenge at this stage of his young career."

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox