Rivers v Evans - it’s a true welter belter

Tyler Rivers…”these are the fights I need.” Picture: Anup Bhatt

THERE’S a storm brewing, a contest strong enough to blow a barn down.

Zach Evans against Tyler Rivers – a hurricane unleashed on September 13 at Chase Leisure Centre, Cannock – is a welterweight belter. The 10 rounder looks likely to carry English title eliminator status, although there have been moves to make it a Midlands title fight, said Leicester’s Rivers.

Whatever the strap, it’s a superb scrap between two talented and hungry operators.

Evans, from Cannock, has peeled off 10 straight wins and gained a reputation as a fearsome body puncher. After facing men with losing records, this is his acid test.

It’s the same scenario for Rivers, a former amateur national champ now based at Birmingham’s Eastside gym, but managed by prominent East Midlands fight figure Carl Greaves.

“These are the kind of fights I want,” said 25-year-old Rivers. “I don’t want to fight journeymen anymore. It’s hard to show what you’ve got against opponents who shell up.

“Zach’s a good lad, he’s 10-0, he’s no mug – it’s the fight I need. We’re both good fighters, but I know how good I am.

“I sparred him once, but can’t really remember it. We only did a few rounds.”

A fine, 56 bout amateur career shows the ability Rivers, a family man and father to three young children, can be.

Zach Evans with trainer Gary Turner. He’s fighting in home town

Like Evans, he’s been pitted against opponents who are no strangers defeat. Unlike Evans, he came a cropper against one of them.

The March, 2024, points defeat needs to be put in perspective. The opponent was Jordan Grannum, one of the best journeymen in the business and, when “up” for the job, a very dangerous proposition for any prospect.

“Bad day at the office,” Tyler, 6-1 as a pro, shrugged. “I have no shame in losing to him, he’s good at what he does, he’s a hard, hard man. On the right night he’s capable of beating a lot of top prospects.”

And with the biggest fight of his short paid career looming, that defeat may have benefitted Rivers. It has shifted the odds heavily in Evans’ favour, it’s relieved some of the pressure.

A 15 month break – the comeback extended by an injured shoulder  – followed defeat to Grannum. Rivers, guided by Eastside’s team, eased back in June with points victory over Nathan Darby.

“Everything is blossoming from Eastside,” Tyler said. “Jon, Louis and Soggy (Jon Pegg and Louis and Soggy Counihan) know what they’re doing. The lads in the gym have done it and if I can achieve what those lads have achieved, I’ll be happy.

“I’m good on the front foot, I’m good on the back foot, I can box, I can scrap. I feel I’m an all-rounder.”

Against Evans, Tyler will need to be at his best in all those departments. Make no mistake, this is a “coming of age” contest for both men.