Rivers can take a lot from points defeat

Tyler Rivers…shone in defeat to Mason Cartwright. Pic: Aidan Hewitt

TYLER Rivers can hold his head high despite points defeat to tough Mason Cartwright at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, on Saturday.

In his first eight rounder against by far the biggest name he has faced to date, the 25-year-old boxed smartly. Tyler ticked a lot of boxes. The 79-74 score in Cartwright’s favour appeared very harsh on Rivers.

He lost, but took more than one round, a share of another.

The welter, from Leicester but based at Birmingham’s Eastside gym, was to have faced Zach Evans for the Midlands title this Saturday. When that fell through, he jumped at the short-notice opportunity to face Cartwright.

It was always a tough ask. Mason, from Ellesmere Port, has twice fought for the British title up at light-middle and had home advantage, to boot.

Yet Rivers was never over-awed, keeping it long and boxing impressively off the back foot.

This was a classic case of a fighter learning more from one defeat against a high quality opponent than five wins against journeymen.

“I’m not cut up about it,” Tyler said. “I’ve gained from the experience and shown I can mix it with a British level fighter.

“I knew he was tough and he confirmed that. I took some big shots and kept coming back. I got the fight I wanted and got a payday.

“He was pretty much what I expected. I knew he was strong and he was big at the weight, as well. The game plan was to box on the back foot and I boxed to my trainers’ instructions, so they’re pleased.”

Tyler added: “I thought the score was very harsh. But boxing on away soil is never sunshine and roses.”

Manager Jon Pegg was full of praise for the former fine amateur.

“Tyler boxed really, really well in one of the smallest rings I’ve seen,” he said. “And he came out of it with a massive confidence boost. I think that loss is going to build his confidence more than any win over a journeyman.”

After the frustration of the Evans fight cancellation, Rivers’ career seems to be flowing freely. He and Tyseley’s Elliott Sowe have been nominated by the Midlands Board of Control to fight for the vacant Midlands welter title.

Tyler said: “There’s no reason why that fight shouldn’t happen, but I didn’t think there was any reason why the Zach Evans fight wouldn’t happen.

“I’m not going to count my chickens, I’ll take it as it comes.”