Brandon Berry doesn’t know much about Moises Rivera, his opponent for Saturday night’s boxing match at the Portland Expo. Rivera has just one pro fight to his credit, a unanimous decision lost to Travis Demko in a four-round bout.
Berry does know a little about Demko, though, and that gives him an idea of what kind of fight he can expect from Rivera. Fighting in the New England Golden Gloves tournament as an amateur a few years ago, Berry beat Demko in the semifinals.
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“I got the close win,” Berry said. “I know (Rivera) is going to be a durable kid, because Demko had some power.
“…I’m definitely taking him seriously.”
Berry, a West Forks native, is 5-0 since joining the professional boxing ranks just over a year ago. His last fight was in April, a unanimous decision over Skowhegan’s Josh Parker at Carrabec High School in North Anson. Berry will fight Rivera, of South Boston, as part of a night of professional and amateur fights at the Portland Expo. Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield will be the guest of honor, and will sign autographs and take photos from 6-9 p.m.
Rivera is a late addition to the card, replacing another fighter who had to bow out due to an injured shoulder. Because of the number of fights on the card and Rivera’s professional inexperience, the light welterweight fight is scheduled for four rounds. Berry and his trainer Ken “Skeet” Wyman hoped for a six round fight, but said they understand why it can’t happen this time.
“It’ll come,” Wyman said. “We trained for a six rounder, and we’ll get it soon enough.”
Now 13 months into his professional career, Berry feels his career is right on track.
“Everything went just as planned,” Berry said. “Improvements have been made. I’m a better boxer now than I was a year ago. My last fight, I was in the best shape of my life.”
For the foreseeable future, Berry’s career will be about building a record and a solid reputation. Eventually, Wyman said, Berry will get a shot at a more experienced opponent. Wyman said he’s working with Peter Czymbor — a Boston-based fight matchmaker — and Czymbor’s advice was simple: Be patient.
“It’s all about experience right now, about getting the record to the point where Brandon gets an opportunity to be an opponent and upset a guy,” Wyman said. “We’ll get Brandon to where he deserves to be. We’ll continue to grow the way we’re growing. It’s experience. It’s all about going to school.”
Berry said his training continues to go well. Improvement and professional progression drives Berry, but so does one of the oldest inspirations.
“When there’s money involved, you train harder,” Berry said. “It’s a motivator.”
Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242
Twitter: @TLazarczykMTM
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