WORCESTER, Mass. (August 15, 2006) – World Boxing Association super welterweight champion “El Gallo” Jose Antonio Rivera (38-4-1, 24 KOs) has once again challenged International Boxing Federation 154-pound title-holder Cory “Next Generation” Spinks to fight him in a unification bout.

“I’m willing to fight any of the top 154-pounders,” Rivera said, “but, for whatever reason, we haven’t been offered one deal. A few of the top super welterweights have fights coming up, others won’t be fighting until next year, and some just don’t want any part of me. I guess Spinks’ manager (Kevin Cunningham) was wrong when he said a fight against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was 99-percent done. Well, I’m still here willing to put my belt up against his. It makes too much sense for it to not to happen. The winner will have more leverage in future negotiations with two titles, neither one of us has a big money fight lined up against anybody else, and we’re both promoted by Don King. We can do it in New England or St. Louis. They’ve made some disparaging remarks about me, but we can settle things in the ring. I’m ready for Cory Spinks. Is he ready for Jose Antonio Rivera?”