Michel “La Zarza Ali” Rivera, only 26, is already making big waves in the boxing world. He started training at just 12 years old in a park near his home in the Dominican Republic. Boxing isn’t as popular there as baseball, but for Michel, it was clearly his path. He credits faith, discipline, and hard work for his success. He shared his story in a recent chat with a prominent entertainment publication.
His unique nickname, “La Zarza” (The Bush), comes from a Bible story. It’s about a burning bush Moses saw that stayed intact, no matter the fire. Michel feels the same way; he says he’ll remain strong through any challenges. Later, in the United States, people noticed his looks and fighting style. They often compared him to the legendary Muhammad Ali. So, “Ali” was added to his name. He never changed his legal name, but he loves carrying that powerful “vibe.”
Dreams and Hard Knocks
Rivera has faced many important moments in his life. The most rewarding, he says, was changing his family’s life. He was able to move them to a better home and give them stability. The toughest lesson for him was learning that boxing is more than just a sport. It’s a business where chances often depend on outside factors, not just how talented you are. He admits it’s a painful truth, but it’s the reality.
Michel’s discipline is rock solid. Before every fight, he finds a quiet spot in the locker room. He reads his Bible and prays. He truly believes his success isn’t by chance. He sees it as part of a divine plan. While other athletes his age might be out partying, Michel prefers peace and quiet. He loves spending time with his four-year-old daughter and his family. He also enjoys relaxing at the beach, even though he surprisingly can’t swim.
Michel Rivera vs. Jon Fernández in 2021. Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images
A Style Fit for the Runway
His look outside the ring also grabs attention. Michel loves wearing oversized clothes and presenting a polished image. He hasn’t ruled out trying his hand at modeling someday. When it comes to music, his tastes are as varied as his style. His playlist jumps from salsa and merengue by Juan Luis Guerra to bachata from Teodoro Reyes.
Now, Rivera is not just shining in the boxing ring. He’s also hitting the screen. He’s one of the main figures in “Boxing: Raw & Uncut.” This three-episode documentary series was produced by Virtuoso Films. It premiered on Tubi on August 2. He appears alongside Chris “Primetime” Colbert and Stephen Fulton. The show reveals the more personal side of boxing. It covers the losses, the mental strain, and the daily grind fans rarely see.
Poster of the documentary ‘Boxing: Raw & Uncut’. Image: Virtuoso Films
Michel loves being part of this series. He says it shows everything that goes on before a fight. Fans usually only see the final outcome. They don’t see the intense preparation, the sacrifices, or the personal struggles. The project had its red-carpet premiere on July 31. It took place at the Nitehawk Cinema in Brooklyn. Famous faces like Robinson Canó, Jorge Masvidal, and Danny Garcia were there.
Dominican Heart, Global Dreams
True to his roots, Rivera never forgets the Dominican Republic. Even though it’s not a boxing powerhouse, he holds his country close to his heart. He describes being Dominican as being supportive. It means giving without expecting anything back. He says he wouldn’t want to have been born anywhere else.
When it comes to his boxing dreams, he knows exactly who he wants to fight. That person is Gervonta Davis. Michel believes Davis dodged a fight when he was the mandatory challenger at 135 pounds. He smiles, a mix of confidence and patience, saying he hopes that fight happens someday.
For now, “La Zarza Ali” keeps training hard in Las Vegas. He’s focused on his upcoming fights. He also wants to build a legacy that goes beyond just winning titles. As he puts it, his real triumph will be the positive mark he leaves on people. For Michel Rivera, success means making an impact far outside the boxing ring.