Veteran cornerman gives his opinion!

If you’ve ever been around veteran boxing trainer and cutman Tony Rivera then you know he is not one to ever hold back in giving you his opinion–whether you like it or not. But at the January kickoff news conference to announce this weekend’s Fernando Montiel vs. Nonito Donaire showdown, the ring veteran gave both fighters their due respect. This is one vet of the sweet science who’s dedicated years to his favorite sport and knows his stuff after spending endless hours in the gym and countless weekends working fights.

“I tell you, Michele…This is one of those ‘throwback’ fights! You just don’t know who is gonna win,” the L.A.-based cornerman said. “This kind of fight is very, very good for boxing. Again, you don’t know who is gonna win.”

The bragging rights for the 118-pound division will be settled this Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

“One (Montiel) has been there a while and will maybe continue fighting as a champion–or maybe lose?” Tony opines. “The other guy, Donaire, is an up and coming champion. And this is one I’m really, really looking forward to. It can go either way!”

Rivera is also looking forward to the co-main attraction between Philly’s Mike Jones and Los Mochis’ Jesus Soto Karass: “I think Karass should have the mentality that he won the first time and do a little more than he did last time. I think Karass should win!”

A longtime member of the boxing fraternity, Tony is also a recipient of the WBC Legends of Boxing Museum “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his contributions to the sport. He spent many years with the Marco Antonio Barrera camp and is a fixture in the ring at many fights both in the U.S. and internationally. Rivera also shared some news with me about his upcoming plans, “It’s looking good that I’ll be working with Ricardo Mayorga for the Miguel Cotto fight too.”

When he’s not in the corner with professional prizefighters, Rivera also trains young amateur fighters at the Eddie Heredia Boxing Gym in East Los Angeles. He has been in the ring recently with highly-touted prospect Gary Russell Jr., whom he raves about. “Gary Russell is one of the best prospects I’ve seen in boxing,” he assesses. “He just needs to step up his opposition, because he’s got a lot of good amateur experience. And I want to see him with a real good fighter. He’s got 14 fights now and I want to see him fight better fighters. He’s the real deal!”

And while he thinks that the Montiel-Donaire war is a “pick ’em fight,” the outgoing trainer sure knows how to pick his luncheon companions. At the recent press event, seated next to him was Monica Weitzel and her mother. The striking brunette is a boxing aficionado and CEO of AFA, whose company provides ring card girls, models and talent for various events and television programs.

As the two made their way around the venue, Tony was in his element. “I’m a boxing person who’s happy to be with my peers,” he smiled. “I just love being here.” You’ll often catch the cornerman ringside at many fights wearing a black cap that reads “One More Round.” On this day, Rivera was sporting his allegiance to the L.A. Lakers but for the boxing loyalist, it’s always gonna “one more round” for him.

I asked Monica for her own prediction for this weekend’s fight. “I don’t want to make a prediction because I really like both fighters!” she laughed.

Catching up with her today, she revealed some exciting news too. “I’m going to be on a reality show on Telemundo,” the gorgeous former model/entrepreneur told me. “I’m on the set right now. The show is all about my agency and it will air in July on channel mun2, owned by NBC and the sister station of Telemundo. And on February 24, my ring card girls will be at Club Nokia for the fights. We’ll be filming there too!”

Amigos Monica and Tony both are sold on the sweet science. “It’s always such a good camaraderie between the boxers,” the tall beauty says. “And I love the energy and vibe of the whole boxing arena. I love it.”

Come Saturday night, boxing fans around the world will be loving the energy and vibe that Montiel and Donaire will bring in the ring too.

Photos by Michele Chong