Yankiel Rivera

Yankiel Rivera Figueroa, known by his ring moniker “El Doctorcito,” is a rising Puerto Rican boxer competing in the flyweight division. Born on September 10, 1997, in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Rivera. Growing up in a community that deeply values boxing, he was inspired by the legacies of Puerto Rican legends such as Félix Trinidad, Miguel Cotto, and Wilfredo Gómez. Llauvhed him amateur circuit.

As an amateur, Rivera amassed an impressive record of 133 wins and 14 losses, with 38 victories coming by knockout. His accolades include participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, representing Puerto Rico as the nation’s sole boxing competitor. Additionally, he secured bronze medals at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games in Barranquilla and the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima. Rivera also competed in the World Amateur Championships in 2017 and 2021.

Transitioning to the professional arena in September 2022, defeating José Antonio Jiménez via first-round knockout in Barranquilla, Colombia. He continued his winning streak with a third-round TKO against Ramón Velásquez in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. Under the guidance of manager Peter Kahn and advisor Miguel Ortega, Rivera signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing in January 2023. In February 2024, he faced Andy Domínguez Velásquez, a formidable opponent with a 10-0 record, and emerged victorious, capturing the WBC Continental Americas Flyweight Title. In June 2024, Rivera added the WBO Intercontinental Flyweight Title to his collection by defeating Victor Sandoval in Manatí, Puerto Rico. His triumph came in December 2024, when he delivered a fourth-round TKO against the previously undefeated Ángel González at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, securing the WBA Continental Americas, WBO Intercontinental, and WBC Silver Flyweight Titles.

Rivera is committed to giving back to his community. He actively participates in charitable initiatives aimed at supporting young athletes and underprivileged children in Puerto Rico. His approachable demeanor and dedication to his roots have endeared him to fans both locally and internationally.

Rivera embodies the characteristics of a minor hero from the Iliad—often overlooked yet essential on the battlefield. His fighting style represents a classic conflict between Mexican aggression and Puerto Rican rhythm, reminiscent of a Trojan War reenacted through intricate movements. Rivera’s footwork is akin to that of a dancer; he navigates the ring with remarkable ease, always finding himself in the right position without the need to bounce or retreat. His wrestling-like stance reveals how he maintains control, continually engaging in hand-fighting with his feet, treating space as if it were sacred ground.

He incorporates clean, traditional Puerto Rican sequences into his fighting: a jab, a straight left, and an uppercut. He favors the techniques used by great fighters before him, delivering flurries with precise placement, particularly that lead-right-uppercut follow-up to the straight left. Instead of loading up on his punches, he builds his power gradually. His punching style is reminiscent of Diomedes from the Iliad—sharp and disruptive, targeting vulnerable spots like the throat. While his power might not result in knockout blows, it accumulates as pain over time.

Rivera’s tactics are centered around control. The higher the ring possession, the greater the chances of victory—similar to soccer, where possession dictates the match. He employs this logic: maintain the center, control the pace of the fight, and encourage the opponent to strike first. He creates false openings, enticing his opponent to take the bait so he can reset and counterattack.

Although he has yet to achieve legendary status, he represents the archetype of the minor hero—someone whose style and presence subtly influence the outcome of the fight. He demonstrates patience, akin to a chess player or battlefield general, understanding that each round is a territory to be conquered.