Rivers is back with a wide win over Darby

Tyler Rivers…shed ring-rust with a comprehensive four round win

AFTER 14 months away from the ring, Tyler Rivers is back.

The 25-year-old got his career up and running again with comprehensive victory over southpaw Nathan Darby at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport, on Saturday night.

Darby, with two wins in 26 contests (two draws) did not possess the credentials to register a shock – and the choice of opponent is understandable. He was, however, unorthodox and hard to pin down.

Rivers, from Leicester but part of Jon Pegg and Paul Counihan’s Birmingham team, has not fought since losing his unbeaten record to Jordan Grannum last March. That was the first blip after five straight wins.

He controlled this one behind a sharp jab and found another gear with each round.

Referee Peter McCormack scored the four rounder 39-37, which I found curious. Darby (11st 3lbs) spent the fight on the retreat and in the final session Rivers was actually chasing him around the ring.

I didn’t see a three-minute period where Darby threw enough to take the round.

For Rivers (11st 1lb) it was an exercise in shedding ring rust. He controlled the first behind his jab, touched with the punch in the second before firing rights and began to work his opponent’s body in the third.

Darby added speed to his retreat in that session after a left hook sunk into his flank and, after being caught by another in the fourth, spoiled, smothered and held until the final bell.

“Tyler was a bit tense, but that’s understandable after being out for a year,” Pegg said. “I’m happy with the performance.”

On social media, Rivers posted: “Buzzing to get back to winning ways over a slick operator. The only way is up from here.

“Thank you to all my sponsors who make this possible to do full time and big up to my supporters who made the trip down to Brum to support me.”