Ben Whittaker vs Richard Rivera: Date, start time and where to watch ‘The Surgeon’s’ US debut

Ben Whittaker is heading across the pond for his US debut.

The 2020 Team GB Olympic silver medallist takes on Richard ‘Popeye the Sailor Man’ Rivera on the undercard of Xander Zayas vs Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis in Brooklyn, New York.

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Last time out in April, Whittaker blew away Argentina’s Braian Suarez inside the opening stanza to improve his record to 11-0-1.

Rivera serves as a slight step up in opposition as Eddie Hearn and Co. continue to steadily build the 29-year-old’s career.

Boxing fans will remember Rivera for his controversial split decision loss to Badou Jack on the Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua II undercard in 2022.

A shambolic error from the timekeeper meant that the pair ended up fighting for four minutes in round eight.

Since then, Rivera has won 6 of his last 7 fights and boasts a 27-2 record.

Whittaker vs Rivera: Date and venue

Whittaker and Rivera will square off on Saturday, June 27, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Whittaker vs Rivera: Start time and where to watch

Whittaker vs Rivera is the antepenultimate fight of the night and will therefore take place at around 2.00am GMT (9.00pm ET) in the early hours of Sunday morning for those watching on the other side of the pond.

The main event will then follow one hour later.

DAZN will be broadcasting the fight, while talkSPORT will stay across the action via talkSPORT.com and on air.

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Whittaker vs Rivera: Full card

• Xander Zayas vs Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis -WBO and WBA super welterweight titles
• Emiliano Vargas vs Bryce Mills – Super lightweight
• Ben Whittaker vs Richard Rivera – Light heavyweight
• Jahi Tucker vs Euri Cendeno – Middleweight
• Quincey Williams vs Jerome Baxter – Welterweight
• Dennis Thompson vs Edwin Rodriguez – Super bantamweight
• Juanma Lopez De Jesus vs Alberto Motos – Super flyweight

Mark Robinson/Matchroom

Whittaker vs Rivera: What has been said?

Whittaker said: “I am really excited to make my American debut in the Big Apple on such a big card.

“I’ve got a lot of love for the American fans, and we’ve developed a great relationship over recent years, so I can’t wait to get out there and put on a spectacular performance for them.”

Rivera added: “The British are coming, the British are coming!”

“If Ben thinks he is going to my backyard to make a statement, history will repeat itself. 

“I’m not gonna need a can of spinach for this fight. Ben might have the boxing world fooled, but I’m not convinced.”

Boxing schedule

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s  boxing schedule.