Khataev Seeks Redemption Vs. Rivera After Morrell Defeat

Imam Khataev will be fighting Richard Rivera in a 10-round light heavyweight fight on December 11 at the Lac Leamy Casino, Gatineau, Canada.

Rebuilding After Queens

#7 WBA-ranked Khataev (10-1, 9 KOs) will be looking to bounce back from his defeat last summer against David Morrell on July 12 in Queens, New York.

It was a close fight that highlighted both the positives and negatives of 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Khataev’s game. He fought in the first half, dropping Morrell in the fifth round with a big right hand.

Late in the fight, Khataev faded and looked vulnerable when Morrell unloaded on him with combinations. Fortunately for him, Morrell would inexplicably back off rather than going for the knockout. It was a weird performance from the Cuban, like a cat playing with its food. He looked like he wanted to knock out Khataev.

Rivera: The Veteran Gatekeeper

A few years back, Rivera was seen as a potential player in the 175-lb division. His career momentum has slowed since suffering a 10-round split decision defeat against Badou Jack on August 20, 2022. Rivera won four fights before losing to the big puncher Luis Antonio Tejeda by an eight-round majority decision last year in the Dominican Republic on March 2, 2024.

Khataev must demonstrate his pedigree by knocking out Rivera, 34, to be taken seriously as a future world champion or even a contender deserving of a world title fight. Rivera isn’t a top-tier fighter at this point in his career. For him to go the distance would reflect poorly on Khataev.

The Stamina Question Returns

Imam’s loss to Morrell was his second consecutive performance in which he gassed out in the later rounds. The way he faded in the last half of the contest highlighted the flaws in his game. Early on, he’s like Beterbiev 2.0 with his power game and the way he takes the fight to his opponent. His stamina makes him beatable.

Dan Ambrose has covered boxing since 2011, offering trusted insight on the sport’s biggest fights.