[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.

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.

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

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” ― Sophia Loren

The number 40 is just a number attached to Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez’s age. On Saturday night at the Forum, Inglewood, California Marquez get his hands raise against Mike “Mile High” Alvarado, who is seven years his junior.

Marquez, despite the older man — started strong and finished strong — in over 12 rounds of welterweight action.

The Mexican warrior is like wine; the more he aged in the squared circle, the more exhilarating he become.

I’m really amazed; as Marquez gets older he turns into an extremely exciting aggressive counterpuncher. What made Marquez extremely exciting is that he’s more dangerous when he’s in trouble — you ask Manny Pacquiao.

Although, there’s not much activity during the first seven rounds, as the used to be all-out-brawler, Alvarado chose to box from outside. Marquez is harvesting points in those rounds. Alvarado gave up so many rounds, thinking he could outbox Marquez.

You can only do that unless you’re a boxer named Floyd Mayweather Jr. — you ask Marquez this time.

After six rounds, I thought, Alvarado should start thinking his plan B, if there is any.

The fight becomes interesting starting round 8 as Alvarado floored Marquez during the exchanges. But “Dinamita” exploded in round 9, dropping Alvarado with precise combination to the head.

In round 12 Marquez made the final push, landing precise combinations, peppering Alvarado. After the final bell, the scores were 117-109, 117-109, and 119-108 all for Marquez.

Marquez could face Manny Pacquiao again, if he wants, as this fight is for WBO title eliminator. Pacquiao is currently the WBO champion.

HBO’s Max Kellerman asks Marquez his willingness to fight Manny Pacquiao for the fifth time; I feel Marquez’s hesitation from his answers.

“So you wanna fight Pacquiao again yes or no?“ asked Kellerman. “We will relax, I don’t know for the moment, but any decisions that I will take will be good for me, my family and all the Mexican fans“ replied Marquez with uncertainty.

[caption id="attachment_2596" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credit: HBO[/caption]

The month of May has been explosive month for boxing, yet we are still in middle of this month. Mayweather-Maidana set the tone for this month as they engaged into a war, which is rare to see from the pound-for-pound king. In the second week, another war happened between Bermane Stiverne (24-1-1, 21 KO’s) and Chris Arreola (36-4, 21 KO’s). Stiverne froze Arreola with a big right hand in round six (Arreola was well ahead in the scorecards). Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Donnie Nietes (33-1-4, 19 KO’s) silenced critics by stopping Moises Fuentes in the rematch. Nietes continue reigning as the longest Filipino world champion. You can read my full fight recap here.

This week’s boxing schedule, starting Friday, May 16, we have Delvin Rodriguez (28-7-3, 16 KO’s) coming back in action on ESPN2, after losing to Miguel Cotto back in October last year. He will face Joachim Alcine (35-7-4, 21 KO’s) at the Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Also on that card is Joe Hanks vs. Derric Rossy.

Then on Saturday May 17, we have Juan Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40 KO’s) tangles horn with Mike Alvarado (34-2, 23 KO’s) at Forum, Inglewood, California. The outcome of this fight will determine if we will gonna, see Pacquaio vs. Marquez 5. If this fight will ever happen, it seems that Top Rank boss, Bob Arum is taking the fight to Macau. However, before we even think about Pacquiao-Marquez 5, Alvarado of course has another plan come Saturday night. I’ll have my preview and prediction up for this fight on this site later on. So, stay tuned.

In UK, also on Saturday (3:00 PM EDT) former light heavyweight Nathan Cleverly (26-1, 12 KO’s) will be back in the ring against Sean Corbin (17-4, 12 KO’s) at Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales. This will be Cheverly’s first attempt moving up at the cruiserweight division, after semi-retired for nine months. Cleverly was knockout by lightly regarded, at that time, Sergey Kovalev.

Here is the rest of this week’s boxing schedule:

Friday, May 16, 2014, SHO, 10:00 pm EDT

• 
  
  Joel Diaz Jr vs. Tyler Asselstine


• 
  
  Frank Galarza vs. Sebastien Bouchard 

Saturday, May 17, Skysports UK

• 
  
  Gary Buckland vs. Gavin Rees


• 
  
  Lee Selby vs. Romulo Koasicha


• 
  
  Callum Smith vs. Tobias Webb

Unimas

• 
  
  Andy Ruiz Jr vs. Manuel Quezada,


• 
  
  Anton Novikov vs. Javier Castro,


• 
  
  Jose Benavidez vs. Angel Hernandez

Denver Colorado -- Ruslan "Siberian Rocky" Provodnikov unloads heavy bombs to "Mile High" Mike Alvarado making the hometown hero to quit from his stool after Round 10. Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KO) stalks relentlessly towards Alvarado (34-2, 23 KO) throughout the fight. It is the body shot that really workout for Provodnikov, although Alvarado's eyes are almost swollen shut.

It is very obvious that Alvarado has a great respect in terms of power to his shorter and smaller challenger. Alvarado comes out with a perfect game plan, which is to use his boxing skills. In the get-go he moves around looking to counter-punch the stalking challenger.

The game plan is effective in the early rounds as Alvarado, for me, is comfortably ahead of the scorecards somewhere until Round 6.

Alvarado would even shifts from orthodox to southpaw stance to confuse the pursuing challenger from Russia, which is effective from the distance. Alvarado connects more jabs from the southpaw stance, that at times halted Provodnikov's from his track.

However, Provodnikov adjusts very well to the southpaw stance of Alvarado, especially at close quarter battle. Provodnikov would slide his right foot towards Alvarado's back foot while preparing his left hook and fires upstairs.

Every single round Provodnikov -- although Alvarado tends to fight from the outside -- would lure Alvarado to fight toe-to-toe. Alvarado would lean forward giving up his height and reach advantage to engage Provodnikov in a hit-me-I'll-hit-you-back type of action, which don't help against his favor because of Provodnikov's clear advantage in power.

In Round 8 Alvarado hit by a thunderous shot to body that eventually put him to the canvas as Provodnikov relentlessly unleash more powerful bombs upstairs and downstairs. Alvarado almost can’t beat the count, his legs are totally wobbly.

Several minutes later, again Alvarado takes a knee, for the second knockdown in the same round. I think, from that point it should have been stop, but the referee decides not to stop as Alvarado with all his heart stands up, but with very unstable legs.

In Round 9 it seems Provodnikov tires and slows down a bit because of the amount of energy he used in the previous round. Alvarado survives the round but still shaky, and still wiping the cobwebs.

In Round 10 Provodnikov picks up what he left in Round 8 and again started to pressure and unload more powerful right hand to head and body. Alvarado would eventually finish Round 10, but when ask directly by Tony weeks if he can continue, during the break. With spirit broken and physically battered, Alvarado decides not to continue.

Provodnikov's failed near knockout performance against Bradley finally realized against Alvarado. And Provodnikov really won big time on Saturday night. A possible showdown with Pacquiao-Rios winner looms in the horizon.

Mike Alvarado vs. Ruslan Provodnikov weigh in result: Alvarado comes in one pound over the junior welterweight limit and weighs in at 141lbs. And has two hours to shed that excess baggage.  "No problem" says Michael Buffer -- referring to Alvarado's initial weigh in. Alvarado then returns to the scale after an hour and registers in at 139.8lbs.

The challenger Provodnikov tip the scales in the initial weigh in at 139.8lbs. Bottom line both fighter make the same weight. And after everything has been said and done -- we are now set to watch the war on Saturday night. Stay tuned for SPB's post fight report.

Watch live streaming for Mike Alvarado vs. Ruslan Provodnikov weigh in on Top Rank TV, Friday, October 18 - 5p ET/2p PT. Alvarado and Peovodnikov will meet on October 19, 2013 Saturday night for the junior welterweight championship bout. A fight that many expect to be a "Fight of the Year" contender.

If you want a fan-friendly fight -- then you should not miss this fight. You can find my preview and prediction of Mike Alvarado vs. Ruslan Provodnikov here.

 

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.