The 26 year-old, who gave up his IBO world title in order to make the move to the land of opportunity, is aiming to impress following eleven months of inactivity and looked in superb shape on the scales at yesterday’s weigh-in.
“I’m just excited to be back in the ring and want to take this chance with both hands,” Van Heerden told World Boxing News.
“I know that Cosme Rivera is a tough customer and he has a lot of experience, but I am in the US to win and that Is what I’m going to do on Thursday night.
“This is the first step to bigger and better things for me and I want to look good and show my worth.”
‘The Heat’ will battle Rivera over eight rounds as the southpaw eases back into the division for the first time since his biggest career win over Matthew Hatton last March. Van Heerden has been put to work since touching down in the US over Christmas and is enjoying his new surroundings as his first test approaches.
“I’m training with Mexican trainer Manual Robles and I really feel good and ready to get my first win. The fight can’t come soon enough for me,” he added.
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