Cleveland, Ohio — Puerto Rican amateur boxing standout Jan Paul Rivera has signed a managerial deal with veteran dealmaker Tim VanNewhouse.
The 20-year-old from Salinas, Puerto Rico has his eyes set on professional glory, but will first take part in the AIBA World Championships, which are set to begin on October 24 in Belgrade, Serbia.
Said Rivera: Thanks to Tim for this wonderful opportunity. I hope to be the next face of boxing and the next champion of Puerto Rico and the world. I can’t wait for all of boxing to know my talent and see why I deserve to be among the best in the sport. I promise to give the best of myself, to Puerto Rico, to the world and to serve as an example for new talents. Now it’s time to keep working and let my talent speak for me.”
“Jan Paul is an extremely gifted young fighter who’s spent the majority of his life aspiring to become a world champion someday. He’s always the first person to the gym and the last to leave,” said VanNewhouse.
Rivera, a right-handed featherweight, has a long amateur record of 180-23, and is a two-time defending Puerto Rico Elite National Champion, and won the Puerto Rico Youth National Championships in 2018 and 2019.
On the international scene, Rivera’s accolades include winning gold medals at the Boxer International tournament in Spain in 2021, the Pacific Cup Youth Tournament in Ecuador in 2019 and the AMBC Youth Continental Championships in Colorado Springs in 2018. In the AMBC tournament and the Pacific Cup Youth tournaments, Rivera was also named Most Talented Boxer of the Tournament.
Rivera was also a silver medalist at the AIBA Youth World Championships in Budapest in 2018, which is when he connected with VanNewhouse.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with Jan Paul and his team shortly after the Youth World Championships and I’ve been following his journey and supporting his endeavors ever since. He has all the fundamentals and ability I look for in young pros,” said VanNewhouse. “He’s the finest amateur in Puerto Rico with the most international experience. This will favor him well in the professional ranks.”
Rivera is guided in the ring by trainer Joe Santiago, who also guides the Puerto Rico Olympic team. Santiago was best known for his work with Miguel Cotto, and also trains undefeated Top Rank prospect Omar Rosario.
“Tim is at the forefront of recruiting and managing the top talent here on the island. I appreciate his style and what he looks for in a fighter. He’s a businessman I trust. I am happy to continue working with Tim and guiding Jan Paul,” said Santiago.
“Once the World Championships conclude we will enter the pro’s and begin our path into the professionals.”
Added Rivera: “For many years Joe and I have worked on boxing. I have been given the opportunity to sign as a professional boxer and I feel very happy and grateful since all the work we have done is being seen.”
In addition to his boxing endeavors, Rivera is also a nursing student at Universidad del Este in Puerto Rico, and is expected to graduate in 2024. He is also working on improving his English at university, which should help him connect with the widest possible audience as a professional.