Jose Rivera Named Worcester’s Citizen of the Year

WORCESTER, Mass. (May 22, 2005) – The World Boxing Association No. 1 rated welterweight contender Jose Antonio Rivera (37-4-1, 24 KOs) has been selected by the Worcester Rotary Club as its 2005 Citizen of the Year.

Rivera will be honored June 16 at the Holiday Inn in Worcester. He will be presented the Key to the City by Mayor Timothy Murray. Other speaking dignitaries will include City Manager Michael O’Brien and Dianne Williamson.

“It’s going to be another humbling experience,” the former WBA welterweight champion said about receiving the aforementioned award. “I get nominated for doing work in the city that I really love. I don’t do it for the publicity; I’m just trying to make a difference.”

Rivera lost his WBA belt by 12-round decision to Luis Collazo April 2 at the DCU Center in Worcester. “We’re negotiating for my next fight,” Jose added. “Hopefully, I’ll be fighting in July or August. I’m getting in the best shape as possible. We’re hoping for a rematch with Collazo in the late fall.”