Rivers to face Derby dangerman for title

Tyler Rivers…welter showdown in April. Picture: Jayden Berry Visuals

HARD-LUCK welter Tyler Rivers has at last, it seems, clinched his title fight.

The 25-year-old’s scepticism is understandable, however. He said: “I’ll believe it when my opponent’s facing me in the ring.”

Rivers will face Derby’s Sajid Abid for the vacant Midlands welterweight title – but not on the major March 14 Valiant Arena show, in Abid’s hometown, as announced by the Board of Control.

Tyler tells me the 10 rounder is scheduled for April in Nottingham on a bill promoted by his manager, Carl Greaves.

It’s a tasty title tussle. Birmingham fans will remember Abid being beaten in five by Tommy Collins for the super-lightweight belt. That was a thrilling shoot-out.

Since that December, 2024, setback, Sajid has bounced back with two points wins, bringing his tally to 16-3.

Rivers, from Leicester, but trained at Coleshill’s Eastside gym, has lost two of eight and gave a fine performance last time out before going down on points to former British title challenger Mason Cartwright.

He said: “Abid’s experienced, but I’ve stepped up to the plate against experienced lads before.”

Hopefully, the news ends months of frustration for Rivers, a former fine amateur. When it comes to the Midlands title, he appears cursed.

He was to have faced Zach Evans for the belt last year, only for the Cannock fighter to pull out. Elliott Sowe was slated to face him in February, but withdrew following a family bereavement. Danny Costello was then put forward, but given the thumbs down by the Board of Control. Add to the mix unbeaten Dylan Clift who was also approached.

The saga left Rivers bewildered. He told me: “I’ve lost to a journeyman, there are no knockouts on my record, there shouldn’t be a reason for turning me down. I don’t understand it, it’s annoying.

“It’s got to the point, I don’t blame fighters for going on the road.”

Hopefully, his career is back on the road, although he faces a tough battle against Abid.

Rivers added: “Maybe the setbacks I’ve had will make a few more people want to see me.”