WORCESTER, Mass. – José Antonio Rivera, a former three-time world boxing champion in two different weight classes, announces the formation of Rivera Promotions, a Worcester-based promotional company dedicated to rebuilding the sport of boxing in Central Massachusetts and throughout the New England area.

      Mr. Rivera is partnering with John Zablocki, a local veteran of the sport who is taking a leave from the Massachusetts Boxing Commission for this endeavor. They will work along with businessman Raul Crockett, a New York native who now lives in Worcester; and Sean Fitzgerald, a former professional boxer and now trainer.

      “We are going to showcase the talents of young boxers in the greater Worcester area and throughout the state and rebuild the sport of boxing in Massachusetts,” Mr. Rivera said. “We are a professional company that wants to work with the best the sport has to offer. We just want to help the sport grow, and to help boxers follow their dreams.”

      Mr. Rivera said the company will primarily organize boxing events in Worcester and throughout the state to help popularize the sport of boxing in Massachusetts, with the long-term goal of signing dedicated boxers and promoting their professional careers.

      With close to 20 years of experience in the sport, Mr. Rivera knows the challenges young fighters face in staying busy and active, and Rivera Promotions will help guide them through their careers and toward world championships.

      Rivera Promotions aims to bring boxing in the City of Worcester back to the days when renowned promoter Sam Silverman organized shows at the Worcester Auditorium and Mechanics Hall. The company is looking to work with established promoters and managers throughout the New England area for a mutual benefit of helping boxing grow.

      “The fans deserve to see the best and most promising boxers in the area,” said John Zablocki, who has refereed more than 30 professional boxing matches including the May, 2006 world championship bout between Luis Collazo and Ricky Hatton.

      “Rivera Promotions has the experience in the sport and the dedication to help rebuild boxing in Massachusetts,” he said.