Michel Rivera training in Las Vegas (Photo: Hustle Boss)

By Chris Robinson

Later tonight, from The Chelsea inside of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, a pair of unbeaten lightweight contenders will collide on SHOWTIME.

Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera and Frank “The Ghost” Martin will clash in an intriguing WBA Lightweight Title Eliminator that also serves as one of the most important fights on boxing’s forthcoming schedule.

Rivera (24-0, 14 KO’s) comes by way of the Dominican Republic and has a smooth and polished boxing style, with a bit of a punch himself. Martin (16-0, 12 KO’s) , meanwhile, is trained by Derrick James and has proven himself to be a rugged and aggressive fighter with a point to prove thus far.

Something certainly has to give and this is why boxing is such a special sport. This past week we were fortunate enough to swing through Las Vegas Fight Club to get a glimpse of Rivera in the final days of his preparation for Martin.

Check below for more and tune into SHOWTIME on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 10 p.m. ET to watch the triple header.

Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com