Danny Garcia made Philly’s new star in Johnny Rivera and drew a thousand to prove it

PHILADELPHIA, PA — It was a week after Philadelphia boxing’s biggest accomplishment, drawing 14,119 to the Wells Fargo Center for Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ first IBF welterweight title defense against the ousted David Avanesyan. You’d think Philly would be packed to the rafters.

Not really.

Danny Garcia, 36, a former two-division world champion, is shaping up to be a new star in Johnny “Different Breed” Rivera. On July 20, the back of the 2300 Arena in South Philly was packed. The area can accommodate 1,300. A crowd of 1,000 showed up for Rivera’s welterweight victory in a four-round decision over 19-fight veteran Nelson Morales, who came in at 154.

Rivera, just 18 years old, was the first player to sign under Garcia’s Swift Promotions banner and went 3-0, with two stops. Against Morales, 32, the young junior welterweight may have been more frequent than he would have liked, but the win, along with the turnout, bodes well for future fights in Philly.

“It was a great night and we got 1,000 people,” Garcia said. “Johnny weighed 147, the kid weighed 154, but we strongly believe in Johnny that he had the skills to win. This showed that the people of Philly still love boxing. This was a good start. We got 1,000 tonight, and we’re starting to build more and we’re getting to the big arenas where we can get 2,000 there. The goal is to build these guys like Johnny and build their brand.”

In Rivera, there is a lot to work with. Good, at welterweight. His family is the equivalent of the Fundoras fighting Philly. Johnny Rivera Sr. he is his son’s coach. Johnny Sr. he has two young children who are also fighters, ranked nationally in their weight divisions and age groups. Riveras went through seven opponents who turned in the fight.

After Ennis, Garcia’s Rivera could be Philly’s next draw.

“Morales made Johnny work, and it would have been good to go six rounds, but this guy wanted four rounds and survived and we were glad he took the fight, because no one else,” Rivera Sr. said. “We’re looking to get back in the ring on August 16. This Morales was a big guy, easily 160, 165 pounds and my son came in tonight at about 149. That (weight discrepancy) will never happen again. Johnny is 18 years old and a 19-time national champion. He will continue to learn and grow.”

What’s refreshing about Rivera is his accountability.

“I’m not happy at all, I could have cut weight a lot better than what I did, and I can give myself a C-minus, because I did a lot more,” said Rivera Jr. “I didn’t fully train for this as I should have, and I have to have my weight better. I lost weight at the last minute. I will come stronger next time I fight.”

Rivera was back in the gym two days after the fight on Monday. He knows he has to sharpen his defense. You know you need to be disciplined.

Garcia knows the future looks bright for Rivera.

“I think Johnny is more me than him,” Garcia said. “He works hard, he is dedicated to sports and he is only 18 years old. He’s good now, and he can be even better. We have time. We can be patient. I am looking to help him with the knowledge I have inside and outside the ring. We have 1,000 people tonight. If you arrive late, it could take some time to park as the lot was packed. This is just the beginning for Swift Promotions and Johnny Rivera.”