The Boxing Diary: Brandon Rios

Showing posts with label Brandon Rios. Show all posts

Monday, February 25, 2019

Humberto Soto foils Brandon Rios' desire to win in ring-return

Humberto Soto foils Brandon Rios' desire to win in ring-return, wins a decision on Saturday night at the Auditorio Municipal, in Tijuana, Mexico.

Soto, (69-9-2, 37 KOs) looking sharp with his combination punching was able to pull a unanimous decision victory over Brandon Rios for the junior middleweight contest.

The scores were 119-111, 118-112, and 118-112.

It was a fun fight, watching two former lightweight titlists fighting far way north from their best division and fast their prime too. But the entertainment value never faded as the two were battle-tested warriors on their rights.

In the end, it was Soto who got the nod of three judges. He was able to bank the first few early rounds of the fight. He utilized his experience well throwing uppercuts that connected at will to a surging and leaning forward march of Rios.

The combination punching of Soto was effective as Rios looking for an opportunity to counter moving forward. Soto fired combinations ranging from 3 to 5 punch combo and then disengage. His strategy would force Rios to reset, move again forward, met again with combination, and then Soto disengage.

To his credit, Rios (35-5-1, 26 KOs) never back down, continued to surge forward. He absorbed the best shots Soto can muster and had some few moments in the ring in the later rounds. He was very game to match Soto in a toe-to-toe action. He was in the pocket all night to engage but came up short.

Rios had great plans for his return as he had his eye on another world title. He promised her daughter to bring another title belt. But for now, he has to go back to square one and check what are his options.

Rios was successful at the lightweight division where he used to bully opponents. As he climbed north of the lightweight division his power was simply not there.

With the win, Soto at 38 years old could be somehow got some boost in this stage of his boxing career, but of course, he's really on the other side of the hill. And could probably have few fights left. With his performance, could probably pull one big fight before really calling it a day, depending on the outcome.

Danny Garcia vs Brandon Rios preview

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , Danny Garcia

Danny Garcia and Brandon will face Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, Events Center, Las Vegas for a 12-round welterweight bout.

Garcia and Rios came in at 146.5 pounds during the official weigh-in on Friday. Both men looked very impressive and in tremendous shape. If you look at Rios in many of his weigh-ins in the lower divisions, he looks drained and pale. And as he climbed on to higher division, he looks fat on those few weigh-ins in the past. As to Danny Garcia, he always came in shape at every division he fought into.

These two guys have similar numbers if you look into their height, reach, and age. Garcia stands 5'81/2", reach 174 cm. Rios, 5'8", reach 173 cm. A slight advantage on Garcia though but I don't see it really matters.

As I look at it, the fight is good till Rios' chin still able to absorb those overextended right hooks from Garcia or an overhand right counter. The style of Rios looks tailor-made for Garcia. Rios loves to come in and Garcia loves to counter with some little angle maneuvers. If you look at Rios's previous fights, he loses to fighters that adjusted his fight and by not fighting his fight, which is toe-to-toe, tough-to-tough bravado.

Well, of course, I'm not counting Rios on this fight, I mean if he could lure Garcia to fight his fight then he has the chance of knocking Garcia also. Rios has this tendency of talking in the ring that could really piss an opponent. A style that would lure an opponent to answer fire with fire.

Hunger to win

Garcia would not want back-to-back losses here obviously. He really would go back to the win column to get back on track and go back to where he's at prior to the Thurman loss.

Rios on the other hand, looking also to get a solid win. I mean a win from Danny Garcia will boost his rank among the top welters. It's the hottest division so far.

During the weigh-in, Garcia said "I'ma do what I wanna do. Like I said before, it's the Danny Garcia show... I'ma put him to sleep!"

In response, Rios said, "I can win this fight. I won my world title why can't I beat Danny Garcia? He's nobody special. Everybody thinks he's somebody special, he ain't nobody special. I'm ready for this guy."

A trainer and his fighter

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , Features

On Saturday night, WBO welterweight titlist Timothy Bradley (33-1-1, 13 KOs) out-boxed, out-hustled, and outclassed a shot and out of shape former world titlist Brandon Rios (33-3-1, 24 KOs) in the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. Bradley put on a boxing clinic against the straightforward brawler and ended up knocking him out with a multitude of body shots in the ninth round. Bradley displayed immense defensive skill I have never seen in his previous fights. Amazing what seven weeks with one of the greatest boxing trainers on earth could do. That trainer is Theodore “Teddy” Atlas.

Teddy agreed to train Bradley after swearing he would never return to work with fighters after a brief stint with former heavyweight Titlist Alexander Povetkin a few years ago. Teddy is most widely known these days for being an exceptional boxing commentator. In fact, he's one of the best in the business. Although prior to putting on the headset and preaching the gospel of the sweet science, Teddy trained several fighters most notably heavyweight champions Michael Moorer and Mike Tyson.

Teddy is a true boxing savant who teaches the true essence of "hit and not gets hit.” Teddy has a huge emphasis on defense. Teddy is an outspoken trainer who is not shy about harping on his boxers to maintain discipline and focus throughout the fight. A classic Teddy moment is when he told Michael Moorer to stand up from his stool in between rounds during a championship fight against the great Evander Holyfield. Teddy decided to sit on the stool and tear Moorer a new one in an attempt to motivate him. Teddy is still the same emotional and passionate Teddy, as he was on full display in the corner of Bradley.

Although I saw something very unique about the demeanor of Bradley when Teddy was feeding him information in the corner. Bradley was wide-eyed and soaking it all in. Teddy had Bradley’s full attention and he hung on every word Teddy said.

A trainer/fighter relationship in combat sports is crucial. Like any important relationship, in life, the pair has to work well with one another. There have to be open lines of communication, transparency, and most of all trust. A fighter depends on the trainer to guide him through the unforgiving sport, not only in the corner but throughout training camp. If the fighter can not depend on his trainer, the consequence could be deadly..literally. The trainer is a teacher, friend, motivator, and even a therapist. The trainer has to be there day in and day out, is just as committed as the fighter.

There have been many examples of phenomenal fighter/trainer pairings. Examples such as Dundee/Ali, D’amato/Tyson, Stewart/Hearns, Stewart/Klitschko, Roach/Pacquiao, and Mcgirt/Gatti. Of course, you can't forget about the father and son duos such as the Trinidads, the Calzaghe's, the Mosleyses, and last but not the least, the Mayweathers.

The boxing world is now comparing the chemistry that Teddy and Bradley have to the great chemistry Roach and Cotto have after only one fight. Teddy is now even calling out Mayweather. Although I do agree Bradley looked excellent against Rios, Teddy should give his fighter a fight or two to get accustomed to him before stepping in with the "retired" pound-for-pound best fighter in the world.

So in due time, we can only hope this is another phenomenal fighter/trainer pairing that will be remembered for a long time.

Brandon Rios overwhelms Mike Alvarado

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , Mike Alvarado

[caption id="attachment_5083" align="alignnone" width="725"]

Photo: Chris Farina / Top Rank[/caption]

Brandon Rios overwhelmed and ultimately stopped rival Mike Alvarado, after round three of their third encounter at the 1stBank Center, Broomfield in Alvarado’s backyard in Colorado. The referee, with the advice of ringside physician stopped the contest after a brutal third round.

Rios (33-2-1, 24 KO's) was the same savage fighter who wants carnage inside the ring. He came out exactly the same warrior that he is in the first two encounters. He started marching forward from the get-go. And he swarmed the ill-prepared Alvarado with overhand lefts and right uppercuts. The uppercuts were the culprit of Alvarado’s destruction. God knows how many times Alvarado’s head tossed up every time the right uppercut connects.

In the second round, there’s no sign that the vicious Alvarado (34-4, 23 KO's) of the first battle would show up. There’s no sign that the more tactical sound Alvarado of the second battle would show up. Instead, it was the unprepared Alvarado who showed up and broke the heart of Colorado fans. Cheers during the ring entrance turned boos for Alvarado during the interview.

Perhaps, Alvarado’s best punch was the low-blow that dropped Rios on his knees. The short time that Rios stayed down was too precious for Alvarado. The Denver homeboy was able to find where exactly he is in Denver. Maybe without that low-blow, the fight would have end in the second round itself.

In the third, it is obvious that the accumulation of power shots would not bring Alvarado further into the final bell. A series of overhand left, right upper cuts dropped Alvarado in the third. He managed to stand and finished the round. But it was obvious he’ll not be there for long.

During the break in the third round, ringside physician checked Alvarado’s condition. The doctor was not convinced and advises referee Jay Nady that Alvarado’s not in the position to continue. Nady stopped the fight and saves Alvarado for further beating.

In the end statistics won’t lie. It showed how gun-shy Alvarado was and how trigger-happy Rios was. Rios punches that landed are more than the total punches Alvarado thrown. Rios landed 120 of 290 (41%), and Alvarado only 20 of 87 (23%).

With the defeat, coupled with legal problems, Alvarado’s career could be nose diving. Henry Delgado, Alvarado’s manager, was uncertain on Alvarado's future in boxing. That is even before the Rios fight.

With the win, Rios could again try to comeback to a level where he tried to climbed and failed – the elite level. And that means big fights and big payday.

Mike Alvarado arrested in Denver, fight with Rios still on

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , Mike Alvarado

Boxer Mike Alvarado was arrested on Saturday in Denver according to a report from The Denver Post.

Alvarado is several weeks away from his fight with Brandon Rios. The anticipated trilogy is scheduled on 24th Jan. at the 1stBank Center, Bloomfield, Colorado. Alvarado's preparation for this "must win" fight of his career might be jeopardized. But Henry Delgado, Alvarado's manager, assured that "there's no problem with the fight."

"As long as he's out. And he's been bailed out. The fight's only in a few weeks. I don't see that being a problem."

Alvarado who had two classic war with Rios is in a "must win" situation. After he evened up the score with Rios in a rubber match, Alvarado had lost twice in a row in his last two fights. He was knocked out by Ruslan Provodnikov in October 2013 and dropped a unanimous decision over Mexican great Juan Manuel Marquez in May 2014.

Although Delgado assured Alvarado's fight with Rios will have no problem, but he is uncertain on Alvarado's future in boxing.

"But after that, [fight with Rios] I don't know" said Delgado.

Relevant fights await 2015!

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , Bryant Jennings

The year 2014 is full of same-card-different-opponent bullshit match-ups. Two top fighters in the same division that suppose to fight each other, instead fight separate opponents in the same card. One example is the Danny Garcia-Rod Salka scrap. Boxing media criticized and rant about the match-up that ended as expected. Garcia blew Salka out in two rounds.

But 2015 promise something that we boxing fans should be happy about. Here are some interesting and relevant fights that await us in 2015.

Brandon Rios vs Mike Alvarado III

This is war! The first two encounter is a classic battle that I rate as the same level Gatti-Ward. Both men took each other's "O" in brutal fashion. On January 24 at 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado Rios and Alvarado will do it again for the third time. The first two fights were about protecting their undefeated records. This time is about getting back to the winning side of the game. Both men are in a "must-win" situation. Although Rios (32-2-1, 23 KO's) won against Chaves in his last fight, but he's unhappy about his DQ victory. He is looking for a solid victory over Alvarado this time. Alvarado (34-3, 23 KO's) is win less in his last two fights and could not afford to lose also this time. I expect another war come 24th January.

Sergey Kovalev vs Jean Pascal

The light heavyweight division is not as deep as the welterweight with talent. But what I like is that the top contenders were more than willing to face fellow top contenders. That of course except Adonis Stevenson. He avoided Kovalev. He is recognize by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board as the light heavyweight champion. Stevenson even jump over the fence of another network just to avoid Kovalev who is now TBRB's number one contender. I salute, Kovalev (26-0-1, 23 KO's) and Hopkins though. "The Alien" despite his golden age has always desire to fight the best in his division. The same goes to Kovalev who wants only significant fights. As the result, Hopkins-Kovalev met up in the ring. Kovalev won. Now, the best available opponent for Kovalev by far is Jean Pascal (29-2-1, 17 KO's) who just is also considered one of the top 5 in this division. As a fight fan, we only want the best fighting the best.

Gennady Golovkin vs Martin Murray

Although this is not the fight I wanted for Gennady Golovkin (31-0, 28 KO's) because I wanted him fight the best out there in the middleweight division. I wanted a fight between Golovkin and Cotto who is now the division king after stopping the lineal champion Sergio Martinez. But Martin Murray (29-1-1, 12 KO's) is another solid contender who ranks among the top five. So, this is another exciting fight to watch out in February 21, 2015 in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Wladimir Klitschko vs Bryant Jennings

After a fan-friendly fight against Kobrat Pulev, Wladimir Klitschko (63-3, 54 KO's) wants a fight in the States. And on April 25, 2015 in Brooklyn, New York, most probably at the Barclays Center for a yet to signed opponent. But Klitschko's team is in deep negotiation with undefeated contender Bryant Jennings (19-0, 10 KO's) that we will see result in a couple of days.

Miguel Cotto vs Saul Alvarez

Although this fight is not sealed yet, as Miguel Cotto (39-4, 32 KO's) said in various reports that "all is negotiations, and there is nothing definite at this point”, but this fight is basically what team Alvarez is pushing. Alvarez (44-1-1, 31 KO's) needs a top marquee opponent in his quest to seize Cinco de Mayo fight date from Floyd Mayweather Jr., claiming that this date belongs to the Mexicans. Well, if there's no Floyd-Pac on May and if Cotto-Alvarez pushes through then my PPV money will be on Cotto-Alvarez.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Manny Pacquiao

I'm hesitant to include this possible but still unclear match-up that we, as fans have been talking about for years now. But as a fan what can I do. This is what I hope for. This is what I want to see. So, I'm still hopeful it will happen in 2015. And both Mayweather (47-0, 26 KO's) and Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KO's) camp are at least open and not lock in to fight any other opponent at this point. There seemed to be serious on going negotiations. But I'm still in doubt that this fight will happen, not until both showed up for a press conference announcing that they will officially fight each other.

Meanwhile here's what Bob Raissman of NY Daily News regarding mega-fight negotiations:

Those doing the business of boxing are consumed with winning the negotiation, screwing the other guy at all costs. The battle to negotiate a mega fight is bloodier than what happens inside the ring. -- BOB RAISSMAN, NY Daily news

Brandon Rios vs Diego Chaves preview

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , Diego Chaves

Two fighters with come-forward style will clash tonight, as Brandon Rios boxing Diego Gabriel Chaves at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

To make it straightforward and without beating around the bush, I can say that: this is an entertaining fight without any significant outcome to the current welterweight landscape. Just pure entertainment. If you love watching two people punching in the head -- this is the fight you are looking for. This is a match-up of two people willing to trade punches without taking a step back.

Brandon Rios (31-2-1, 23 KO) has develop his brand of boxing. He's known for his all out aggression, hit-me-I'll-hit-you-back-with-a-smile style. But in his last two bouts wherein he lost to Mike Alvarado in a rematch and to Manny Pacquiao via wide margin unanimous decision, Rios was not able to show his brand of Rios boxing. Alvarado and Pacquiao implemented a game plan that exposed how "one-dimensional" Rios is. Okay fine. Rios might be one-dimensional but I'll forget about that because this time he will face another fighter that is more than willing to stay in the pocket and trade bombs after bombs. We will see both men walking each other in the ring. We will see blood! We will see war!

Argentinean Diego Chaves, (23-1, 19 KO) despite the visa issues and all was able to touch down on US soil with Arum's influence and Sen Reid. Everyone is not certain if Chaves is on or will be replaced until Wednesday. And he eventually arrived on Thursday morning, making him skip the final press conference in the afternoon.

Chaves, is former undefeated in 22 fights with 18 KO's prior to the Kieth Thurman bout. He was able to hung around with heavier arsenal Thurman for 10 rounds. He gave Thurman everything he could handle -- perhaps the toughest fight of Thurman. And I think, Chaves can hang around even more rounds against Rios who doesn't have exactly that one-punch-lights-out power. Rios breaks down an opponent with volume punching. He will break you down with his will to win. His best punch: the left hook to the body and right upper cut upstairs, once you will get tag with those punch in succession that will bring you down. And besides Rios has a remarkable chin and was not stop in his career.

Well, I will not get surprise if this bout will go to the distance. This will depend on who's willing to put more defense. Even if both men can handle each others' power, there's always threshold on how much a boxer can absorbed and still upright. I'm certain that if both men feel that they can absorb each other's best punch -- they will forget defense. If they do that, there might be a stoppage, but that would be not earlier than round 9.

On Saturday night, let's forget about those PPV fights that we all know whose gonna win and those same-card-different-opponent bullshit cards. Tonight we will see a boxing fight. And I believe Rios and Chaves will deliver.

Manny Pacquiao dominates Brandon Rios

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquaio v Brandon Rios - The Clash In Cotai

Macau, China -- Former eight division champion Manny Pacquiao won impressively in a one-sided affair against tough-as-nail Mexican/American opponent Brandon Rios.

“I’m no punching bag" said Rios as a response to the press during the final presser. But last night Rios looked like one, and can't punch back the desired combination he needed to make every round more competitive. The obvious difference: is the speed. Not the power.

Pacquiao, now improved his record to 55-5-2 (KO 38), used his superior foot speed to outmaneuver and fast combinations to outland the much slower California brawler Brandon Rios. Pacquiao won a lopsided unanimous decision with the scores of 119-109, 120-108, and 118-110. Thanks that there is no odd scoring tonight.

Pacquiao, according to this punch graphic from ESPN with statistics from Compubox, landed 48 percent of his power shots against Brandon Rios. Most of Pacquiao punches landed on both side of Rios' face.

Talking about Pacquiao's power, it seemed that it was the same it used to be. It’s just that Brandon Rios has a granite chin. A very tough hombre to crack, I gave credit to his toughness, not that Pacquiao's power has diminished. Those kinds of punches that landed on Rios used to drop lesser opposition.

Rios, now 31-2-1 (KO 23), was unable to impose his seek-and-destroy style as Pacquiao was very quick on his feet and constantly moving around the ring. Rios' will to win had no match for Pacquiao's elusiveness.

This is by far the lowest punch output of Rios (based on the link above) its either he was very busy defending his himself or looking for Pacquiao that he forgot to let his hands go.

Pacman proved that his career is 'not done yet', now, I'm excited with the monetary figures for this fight. Did Arum unlock the potential in China? Are we going to see more fights of this magnitude frequently in Macau? Does Pacquiao next fight would still be outside the US?

Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios: Preview and prediction

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , Manny Pacquiao

Here's my preview and prediction of the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios.

Filipino boxing icon, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, will be back in the ring, after almost a year, to face American Brandon “Bambam” Rios. The fight will be available live on HBO PPV and will be held on November 23, 2013 at the sprawling Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, in Macao, China – Pacquiao’s first fight outside the United States since defeating Oscar Larios in Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines.

Do you think this fight is a 'ceremonial passing' or a comeback fight of a 'great' champion?

Pacquiao insisted in every interview he had, that he's career is 'not done yet'. And that he's still young at age 34. But Rios pointed out that 'everybody gets old', and he will come out as the new superstar. Pacquiao is seven years older than Rios.

How important this fight to Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios?

Pacquiao and Rios are both coming in from losses in their previous fights. Both can’t afford to lose this time. Pacquiao, if he loses, it could mean retirement. For Rios it would mean going back to the long line.

Pacquiao, 54-5-2 (KO 38) will be coming in from back-to-back losses of his career. The first was against Timothy Bradley. Although many considered that Pacquiao was clearly robbed. The second loss was brutal and devastating: Pacquiao visit the mat face-first with a single punch from archrival Juan Manuel Marquez.

Brandon Rios, 31-1-1 (KO 23) will be coming in also from his first career defeat. He lost via decision by Mike Alvarado in their rematch.

My Prediction

I think, in the very first round, Rios will never engage Pacquiao. I'm sure he will not march forward towards Pacquiao like he did in his fights with Alvarado. Why? Because it's a foolish thing to do against Manny Pacquiao. Ask Ricky Hatton.

Rios's told that he is not scared of Pacquiao. I agree. But it doesn't mean to me that he will not respect Pacquiao's power. It will be cautious early rounds for Rios. And Pacquiao will be raking points from first up to four or five rounds.

We all know what exactly Pacquiao will be doing in those early rounds I mentioned: he will outbox Rios. He will be fighting in the middle of the ring to give more room for maneuvers. Pacquiao will look for more angles before throwing combinations and step-out before Rios can mount counter-shots.

After that cautious four or five rounds, Rios's will start to engage, and try to brawl. At this pointt, he'll probably know those punches to avoid coming from Pacquiao. And that probably are the left straights.

Somewhere between rounds six and seven, Rios will have his moment and will steal rounds. It will be in these rounds, that Rios may land the game changer punch. I believed that in these rounds, Rios, will be able to force to close the gap between him and Pacquiao. However it will be in these rounds that Pacquiao will catch him with the punch that he never see coming that will knock him out. Therefore I predict a Pacquiao TKO/KO win somewhere between round seven to nine.

But wait; there are some interesting links and info-graphic that I wanted you to read.

Manny Pacquiao Info-graphics - created by Financeonline.com

Requiem for a Welterweight - an interesting article in a long-form, but worth a read, written by Brin-Jonathan Butler. It was very well presented on BLH website, plus a documentary of Pacquiao's long-time trainer Freddie Roach at the end of the article.

Inspiring a Country to Fight: How Manny Pacquiao Can Help the Philippines - an article written by Kelsey MacCarson of Bleacher Report with my thoughts on how a Pacquiao fight would inspire a country suffering from the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios: Pre-fight scuffle, between Roach, Ariza and Garcia

Rey Tecson Alex Ariza , Brandon Rios

“Alex Ariza kicked me in the chest” said Coach Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao’s long-time trainer, in a report written by Renee Fopalan of GMA News. This was Freddie Roach’s side of the story.

“He called me a piece of shit, then he called my friend a 'fucking Mexican,' then he called Elie (Seckbach) a 'fucking Jew.' What the fuck is that?" said Robert Garcia in a post I quote from Badlefthook written by Scott Christ. This was Robert Garcia and Alex Ariza side of the story.

I’m quite surprised when I first read the headlines this morning here in Kuwait. This is regarding the scuffle between Alex Ariza (former Pacquiao conditioning coach, now with Rios camp) and Robert Garcia, Rios trainer.

I just don’t understand why a kick has been directed to a person who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease. I’ mean come on. Roach, whatever he might be saying something really bad, or ‘racist comments’ whatsoever, but I think don’t deserved to be kicked. He’s an old fellow.

Throwing verbal jabs are quite normal prior to a fight. I mean, this is part of hyping the match. But kicking someone, which is suffering already an illness, for me, isn’t necessary.

I tried to find any comment from Pacquiao regarding the scuffle, but I didn’t found any.

Please check also the video below by Secondsout.com

Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios video by GP promo

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , full-image

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and American Brandon Rios will meet in the ring on November 23 in Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort in Macao, China. Both men coming off from respective loses and can't afford to lose their very next fight. On Saturday night 8 PM EST, Sunday morning in Macao we'll find out who will get back to the winning column.

Watch this video from GP promo for this fight that features both fighter's career highlights.

Here's a video of Brandon Rios' career tribute also by GP promo that showcased the ring exploits of "Bambam" Rios.

More on Pacquiao vs. Rios coverage:

Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios: Watch Pacquiao workout livestreaming

Pacquiao vs. Rios: Face-off with Max Kellerman, Brandon is all business

Pacquiao vs. Rios: Pacman did footwork drills for Brandon fight

Pacquiao-Rios and Ariza’s VADA’s drug testing accusations?

Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios 24/7 first episode

Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios 24/7 first episode

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , full-image

Watch the Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios 24/7 first episode that highlighted both men's previous fights and their press tour that kick-off in Macao, China and culminated in the US.

Also in the video, Jinky Pacquiao, the wife of the Filipino boxing icon, spoke about how she and his husband get over and move on with the knockout loss Pacquiao suffered from his long time rival, Juan Manuel Marquez.

"We are not talking about the knockout seriously" said Jinky and that they "joke" about the KO sometimes. She also ask his husband, Manny after the fight to retire.

After the fight I did ask him to retire, but Manny still wanted to fight, so, whatever it is, we support his decision."

Manny reiterated that it is boxing, and if you don't want to lose, don't box. He asserted that his boxing career is "not done yet".

Okay that's it, if you'll read everything here, then what's the use of posting the video above. So come on hit the play button and enjoy!

Seriously, if you wanted to read a comprehensive recap, what about clicking the link here, that will lead you to the Pacquiao vs. Rios 24/7 recap written by Michael Woods from 'The Sweetscience'.

More on Pacquiao vs. Rios:

Pacquiao vs. Rios: Face-off with Max Kellerman, Brandon is all business

Pacquiao vs. Rios: Pacman did footwork drills for Brandon fight

Pacquiao-Rios and Ariza’s VADA’s drug testing accusations?

Pacquiao vs. Rios: Face-off with Max Kellerman, Brandon is all business

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , full-image

Face Off: Pacquiao/Rios (HBO Boxing) by HBO

Brandon Rios will face Pacquiao on November 23 and he's damn serious on this episode of Face-off with Max Kellerman. At some point Pacquiao tried to joke around but Rios is all business with his answers. He showed his enormous desire to win and be on top of the boxing world.

Rios told that boxing to him is "better than sex". Really Brandon? Come on! What do you think is it better than sex? Well, that's his opinion.

On the other hand Pacquiao insisted that he's boxing career is not "done yet" and that he's still young at age 34. He wanted to proved that he can still fight.

"My time is not done yet" said Pacquiao and that he wanted to give back the fans trust and confidence on him.

Pacquiao vs. Rios will live on HBO PPV on November 23 in Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, Macao China.

More articles and videos on SPB's Pacquiao vs. Rios Coverage

Pacquiao vs. Rios: Pacman did footwork drills for Brandon fight

Pacquiao-Rios and Ariza’s VADA’s drug testing accusations?

Pacquiao-Rios and Ariza's VADA's drug testing accusations?

Rey Tecson Alex Ariza , Brandon Rios

Pacquiao-Rios and Ariza Vada Drug Testing Accusations

I tried to connect the events that lingers on Alex Ariza's accusations on VADA's drug testing to Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios for their upcoming fight on November 23 for the WBO International title in Macao.

Alex Ariza said on his twitter on October 23:

Brandon's second test by VADA. VADA just confirmed they have yet to test Manny and there are NO plans to test him until China.. That's fair.

— Alex Ariza (@ArizaFitness) October 22, 2013

Ariza also added, also in twitter that, "just spoke to Filipino media in Gen. San, Vada hasnt even arrived." I tried to ask him to which particular media men in General Santos he spoke to, but up to the time of writing I've got no reply.

In the meantime, a post written by Lem Satterfield on Ringtv Craveonline, Margaret Goodman, founder of The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), said that Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios "have been" randomly tested by VADA.

However, in this post there is no date mentioned as to when the testing for both fighters will commence.

Ariza told Boxing Scene's Edward Chaykovsky that "Brandon has his second test on Tuesday".

I think, Ariza's concern here is the commencing date of each fighter drug testing by VADA. Why is it that both fighters were not tested in the same date or at least having the same number of tests.

I understand that the protocol is random at that no announcement that will come from VADA when to conduct. Results well then submitted to China commission, the promoter and each fighter camp. It is up to these three to announce or not the results.

In another article by Jake Donovan of Boxing Scene, Goodman said,

That is a balatantly false and unsubstantiated story. Pacquiao and Rios have been tested by VADA...

Well. I don't know why Ariza was accused about his statement wherein he confirm this to VADA representative that tests Rios? I think Goodman should ask her representative if they indeed confirmed to Ariza that Pacquiao is yet to be tested.

If VADA representative would come out and say no, then Ariza is simply a liar.

Meanwhile this is Ariza's latest tweet.

@Seckbach @Brandon_Rios1 Funny how Vadas Rep saying Mannys not tested and won't be until "Maybe China" turns into my accusations.

— Alex Ariza (@ArizaFitness) October 24, 2013

Brandon Rios says, ‘…**** everybody… counting me out’

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , Features

Brandon Rios seems very upset at Max Kellerman and to everybody that counted him out against Manny Pacquiao on November for the WBO international title in Macao. I’m quoting below Rios’s words from Luis Sandoval of Boxing Scene.

Fuck Max Kellerman, that motherfucker and fuck everybody that's talking about Pacquiao-Ruslan, they're already counting me out! Everybody is counting me out. Everybody thinks I'm a tune up fight for Pacquiao. So Max Kellerman thinks that too so fuck that motherucker. He's always talking shit, saying stuff in my face like ‘Oh Brandon, you're this, this and that. You've won this and that.' He's a fucking pretender. I don't give a fuck if HBO makes you say shit or not, you don't say [that type of] shit. Nobody makes me say shit but me. So at the end of the day that's fucking bullshit.

I can’t help but liked the way Scott Christ from bad left Hook sum it up it up here.

I think Rios have the reason to be upset to people that writes him off or counted him out against Pacquiao. For me, he is definitely a live opponent against recent version of Pacquaio -- a Pacquiao that suffered brutal knockout defeat last year.

I’m even surprised when I first learned that the comeback fight of Pacquaio is Rios.

After Pacquaio defeated David Diaz in 2008 for the lightweight -- from that point forward -- he was fed to stronger and bigger lions except Marquez.

Rios is young, naturally bigger and just fought eight months ago during the fight in November whereas Pacquiao almost a year since last fought.

Only crazy will count Rios off. For me, this is a 50/50 even fight.

Mike Alvarado vs. Ruslan Provodnikov Preview and Prediction

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , full-image

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Here I am again giving you my preview and prediction. This time will be between Mike Alvarado and Ruslan Provodnikov. Let me begin with question: Why Alvarado vs. Provodnikov is considered to be a potential "Fight of the Year" candidate?

Boxing fans, media, writers, and bloggers expect this fight to be a strong candidate for "Fight of the Year" award (as early as even before the fight was signed), based on each fighter's previous performance. And I do agree.

If you look at Mike Alvarado's fight against Brandon Rios here, on March 30, which is also a strong fight-of-the- year contender. And so with the first fight last year here, that cost Alvarado's precious "O" in his ledger: you'll probably agree that indeed this could be a potential 'Fight of the Year" candidate. Alvarado 34-1 (KO 23) fought like there is no tomorrow in the first fight and got knocked out in the seventh round, but adjusted well in the rematch to win a unanimous decision.

But, if you're still not in agreement, then what about taking a look back at Ruslan Provodnikov's fight here, with Timothy Bradley on March 16? The fight would take you to the edge of your seat. And if you're a Bradley fan, Provodnikov 22-2 (KO 15) is breaking your heart. He wobbled Bradley and almost knocked him out several times.

Now, imagine these two meet in the squared circle, Ruslan Provodnikov having in mind Alvarado's WBO light welterweight belt. But not only that, he is also aiming for more recognition that he fell short against Bradley. In the opposite corner -- Mike Alvarado, a fighter determined to defend his title and seeking for higher glory. A win could mean a fight of the winner between Pacquaio-Rios on November.

Ruslan Provodnikov I believed has what it takes to knock out Mike Alvarado. I think he has the power needed to finish the job. If the same punch that wobbled Bradley would land on Alvarado -- I think that would be the end of the story.

Alvarado, based on his fight with Rios wasn’t able to clinch when he was hurt, which was the wise thing Bradley did in the same situation. Provodnikov should follow through more once he feels that he hurt Alvarado. He should step up his killer instinct.

If Alvarado will box more from the outside, Provodnikov should double up and work on the jab and lure Alvarado for a slug-fest. Provodnikov's ability to take a punch will be tested here, which wasn't against Bradley.

Stylistically Alvarado is more of a boxer-puncher. But can be easily lured into a hit-me-I'll-hit-you-back kind of action, which is of course a fan-friendly style, which is a big factor, I believed, for Fight of the Year selection.

Alvarado said that he will use his boxing skills. This is the adjustment he made for the Rios's rematch. He stuck to the game plan, which is to move and box around, looking for more angles before throwing combinations to avoid direct counter-shots.

If Alvarado can execute the same game plan, and finish the entire fight, I think he will win on points in a very close decision that could go either way. I'm afraid what boxing called a "hometown decision" might play a part here -- I hope not.

Provodnikov will be dealing with the hometown favorite Alvarado in 1STBANK Center, Broomfield, Denver, Colorado, on October 19.

My prediction:

Don't get me wrong, maybe you're thinking that what I mean above is that: Alvarado's chance to win is to finish the fight. No. Anything can happen to this fight. I think real time adjustment is the key to win for each fighter.

I put my prediction this way:

If Provodnikov can’t take Alvarado's power especially that vicious uppercut, then it's Alvarado by TKO.

If Provodnikov could handle Alvarado's power and can land his own I think he will win via knockout somewhere between Rounds 8 to 11.

If the fight will finish till Round 12 due to adjustments made by both fighters to avoid each other's power, then I am inclined to favor Alvarado to win on points.

Pacquiao vs. Rios: Pacman did footwork drills for Brandon fight

Rey Tecson Brandon Rios , full-image

In a video from Dyan Castillejo's YouTube channel (above), Manny Pacquiao did footwork drills in preparation for his upcoming fight against Brandon Rios on 23 Nov. at the Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, Macao.

Footwork is essential for Pacquiao's arsenal against a coming-forward style of Brandon Rios. If you look at Rios's first knockout career loss against Mike Alvarado during their rematch; it is Alvarado's footwork that gave him trouble. Alvarado used footwork to look for angles in engaging Rios. He moved around more compared to their first fight.

In the past Pacquiao complain to have leg cramps. If you look at footages of his previous fights -- you'll see that his calves were massaged vigorously in between rounds. Not only that -- before Pacquiao start training for this fight with Rios -- he used to play basketball and suffered ankle injury.

Although Pacquiao assured boxing fans that there is nothing to worry about the said injury. He got his doctors check, and everything is well.

This kind of footwork training is needed to make sure leg problems would not be a factor on this fight.

Monday, February 25, 2019

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Monday, January 26, 2015

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Brandon Rios vs Mike Alvarado III

Sergey Kovalev vs Jean Pascal

Gennady Golovkin vs Martin Murray

Wladimir Klitschko vs Bryant Jennings

Miguel Cotto vs Saul Alvarez

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Manny Pacquiao

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Friday, November 22, 2013

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Monday, November 18, 2013

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Friday, October 18, 2013

Thursday, October 17, 2013

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