Hermie Rivera, boxing analyst, 77

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing analyst-writer Herminigildo “Hermie” Rivera, who carried his strong, cheerful character everywhere he went, has passed away.

He was 77.

Rivera, born in Baguio City and raised in La Union, was a journalist, he excelled in print and broadcast, and wrote with flourish.

The former manager of Filipino world champion Luisito Espinosa had been based in San Francisco for many years, and was always around during Manny Pacquiao fights in the US.

At the time of his death, he was working on his book on Pacquiao. Reports said he recently suffered a stroke, his Facebook page flooded with “get well” messages.

Sports analyst Ronnie Nathanielzs broke the news of Rivera’s death yesterday through Philboxing.com.

Former Ring Magazine editor-in-chief Nigel Collins shared his thoughts on Rivera’s passing.

“I’m extremely sad. He was a rascal (lovable in Collins’ own dictionary) and one of the most colorful people I’ve known,” he said.

Another jaded boxing chronicler, Michael Marley, described Rivera as the Filipino version of Bert Sugar, a great American boxing writer and historian who passed away in 2012.

Rivera loved being in the limelight.

Rest in peace, Hermie.