Isiah Thomas, 'Young Bam' Hall Sign With Henry Rivalta

By Jake Donovan

Henry Rivalta turned to Motown for the latest additions to his growing stable of fighters, adding a touch of the past and the future in acquiring unbeaten prospects Isiah Thomas and Leo ‘Young Bam’ Hall. 

Both fighters are slated to return to the ring in the next few weeks. Hall (1-0, 1KO) – who turned pro this past February – will next appear on May 30 in his hometown of Detroit, fighting on the undercard of the recently announced showdown between unbeaten Tony Harrison and veteran Bronco McKart. 

Thomas (12-0, 6KO) – who hasn’t fought since Nov. ’12 – is tentatively scheduled to return to action on June 6. 

Rivalta previously had Thomas under his wing while the two were part of the Acquinity Sports family. The company formed in 2012, which also marked Thomas’ return to the ring, fighting four times – all coming in the second half of the year following a 21-month layoff. 

The southpaw appeared on the verge of crossing over from prospect to rising contender following his win over Richard Hall in Nov. ’12. The bout turned out to be his last piece of ring action, but has since resurfaced with Rivalta in hopes of reviving his still promising career.

“Isiah is still young, he’s just 25 years old,” Rivalta indicates of the 6’4” southpaw, whose birth name is Alex Isiah Thomas. “He’s a talented kid with a lot of time to make a name for himself. Once he’s back in the ring, we will help him move through the ranks and to a world title.”

Such plans are a long way off for the 19-year old Hall, who turned pro earlier this year. Still, the 6’3” light heavyweight has left a lasting impression on Rivalta from the moment he was spotted training in his native Detroit. 

round knockout of fellow Motown boxer Brandon Larvadain this past February. “I went to shake his hand and just remember how much bigger his hands were than mine. They’re not just massive, but he has fists like bricks.”

Hall’s opponent has yet to be determined for his May 30 appearance at the Cobo Center Ballroom in Detroit. The teenage knockout artist has complete faith that whomever he faces will be the next step in his quest towards standing out as the best young American prospect.

"I am very pleased to have signed with Rivalta Management," Hall says. "Mr. Rivalta has the best intentions for me. This is the best move I can make to put my career on the next level."