Yankiel Rivera Figueroa vs Angel Gonzalez Predictions: Puerto Rico’s Olympic hero returns

Puerto Rican Olympic hero Yankiel Rivera steps into the ring in front of his home fans this Saturday, December 7. The Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan will play host to his bout with Angel Gonzalez, on the undercard of Liam Paro vs Richardson Hitchins. DAZN will broadcast this bumper event live.

Here are my Rivera vs Gonzalez predictions ahead of this flyweight contest.

Rivera fights in his homeland for the third time as a young professional. ‘El Doctorcito’ represented Puerto Rico at the Tokyo 2020 games. He also medalled at the 2019 Pan American Games, another effective clearing house for future pro talent. 

He hasn’t put a foot wrong as a professional yet. The 27-year-old has had six fights, winning the lot and stopping two opponents. While that isn’t a red-hot knockout ratio, Rivera also knocked his man down in two of his decision wins. In a division renowned for prowess over power, Rivera can handle himself.

The amateur standout has handled himself at a good level so far. Swerving the usual knockovers that Olympic alums feast on, Rivera’s level of competition has seen him crack the world rankings in just six fights. The WBO, WBC and WBA all have him in their ratings, with the latter pitching him as high as third. Rivera is moving quickly and garnering plenty of hype in the process.

This is likely why Gonzalez has been chosen as Rivera’s opponent. The 14-0 ‘Set It Off’ is an ambitious and eager opponent who will be coming to win. This is a good test for Rivera. He is heavily-favoured to win, but he is fighting an opponent with ambitions beyond raw survival.

Gonzalez is not used to losing. He might be a shade too old to be a prospect at 31, but he isn’t gearing up for the scrapheap either. This is a fighter looking to build on a solid unbeaten record. The WBC and WBO have ranking belts on the line here. Gonzalez could elevate his entire career with one victory.

Rivera will need to be aware of that. As his career wears on, more and more of his opposition will see him not as an overwhelming task but as a one-shot chance at fame and fortune. That is the burden of the ascending Olympian. By your very nature you become a free-hit for ambitious fighters who have not been afforded the same opportunities you have.

Rivera will contend, quite rightly, that he has earned those opportunities. A big win on Saturday night will earn him even more. The sanctioning bodies are circling and a world title fight can’t be far away. Another Olympian shocked the world in this division last weekend, with Galal Yafai reaching the elite level by retiring Sunny Edwards. Can Rivera make the same jump?

Rivera vs Gonzalez Fight Odds

Rivera is your favourite at 1/12 while his opponent is priced at 6/1. The draw is available at 20/1. 

Rivera vs Gonzalez Full Card

Liam Paro vs. Richardson Hitchins

Henry Lebron vs. Christopher Diaz

Yankiel Rivera vs. Angel Gonzalez

Marc Castro vs. Agustin Ezequiel Quintana

Jalil Hackett vs. Jose Roman

Stephanie Pineiro vs. Ogledis Suarez

Juan Zayas vs. Geraldo Valdez

William Ortiz vs. Lionell Omar Colon

Carlos De Leon vs. Jose Guevara

Rivera vs Gonzalez Prediction

I think this one is heading for the distance. Gonzalez knows what he is doing in there and I believe he’ll make it uncomfortable for the hometown boy. 

But Rivera is too crisp and too educated for his man here. I’m picking the Olympian by decision at 8/15.

You can find all our latest boxing betting tips and analysis at our Betfred Insights Boxing page and our latest boxing odds here.