By James Slater: Unbeaten warrior Brandon Rios thrilled us all yet again last night, as he dismantled tough Mexican Urbano Antillon inside three action-packed rounds. Defending his WBA lightweight belt for the first time, the 25-year-old showed again he is one of the most consistently exciting fighters in the world. Not too many people predicted such a quick win for Rios, now 28-0-1(21); instead anticipating a long and gruelling fight. Rios showed he is a potentially great fighter.
Promoter Bob Arum was so impressed with “Bam Bam’s” performance he said post-fight that he would, “in a year or two, put him in there with Manny Pacquiao.”
Himself speaking post-fight last night, Rios stated that “If Arum thinks I can fight Pacquiao, I will be ready.”
Think of what a sensational battle a Pac-Man-Rios clash could be! Already struggling to make the 135-pound limit, it seems Rios is sure to move up in weight soon. Pacquiao has upcoming business to take care of in the form of a third fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, and after that, next year, we are hoping the P-4-P star finally gets it on with Floyd Mayweather Junior. But then it could well be Rios.
Rios has said a number of times how a fight with Pacquiao is his dream fight, and that he would “make Pacquiao fight.” I have no doubt he would, even though I’m not yet convinced Rios would actually defeat Manny. But Pac-Man has to go sometime and against a fast, ruthless and immensely strong and determined young warrior like Rios, Pacquiao could have his hands full.
As Arum says, it’s too early to put Rios in with Pacquiao yet, but fans are already asking themselves what would happen if and when the two thrilling practitioners did rumble.
Rios has many other exciting-looking options to look at outside of a Pacquiao fight, however. Rios also spoke of moving up to take on the likes of Marcos Maidana and Amir Khan. Also having the look of mouth-watering match-ups, either one of these two fights would have fans in a lather. The way he’s going, Rios really is looking more and more like the next boxing superstar.
Rios has now won his last ten fights inside the distance and, as he showed last night, he is never content with an easy fight. Rios loves going to war and the fans love him for it!