Boxing: WBA approve Rivera defence

The World Boxing Association has officially sanctioned the October 2 title match between WBA welterweight champion "El Gallo" Jose Antonio Rivera, 37-3-1 (24), and No. 1 contender Thomas "Lionheart" Damgaard, 34-0 (26) on the Trinidad-Mayorga show at Madison Square Garden, New York City.

Rivera's promoter, Don King, recently received a letter from Renzo Bangariol, WBA World Championship Committee Chairman, explaining that Rivera-Damgaard had been sanctioned for Oct. 2. King won a purse bid for promotional rights to Rivera-Damgaard.