Three-time world boxing champion Jose Antonio Rivera announced Thursday he is running for an at-large seat on the Worcester City Council.

Rivera said as the city continues to grow, many residents face challenges such as the rising costs of food, fuel and other basic needs, and he said he knows what it's like to struggle.

“At its core, my campaign is about improving the quality of life for each and every resident and business in the city of Worcester,” Rivera said in a statement. 

If elected, Rivera said he's support a new tax rate balancing the needs of homeowners and businesses, advocate for safe streets and support a fare-free bus system.

Rivera was born in Philadelphia but moved to Worcester on his own at the age of 16. He won the International Boxing Organization Welterweight title in 1997, the World Boxing Association's Welterweight title in 2003 and the WBA Junior Middleweight title in 2006.