All action.
That is the only way to describe what fans will see when Mike Alvarado and Brandon Rios get in the ring October 13th.
Rios who is known to have knockout power has not been the same since struggling to maintain his 135lb weight the last couple fights.
Alvarado who is also known for having heavy hands and a solid chin will be the first to test Rios at the light welterweight limit.
Alvarado who in the past year has had two very exciting fights, his brawl with Breidis Prescott in which Alvarado came back from what looked like a loss to stop Prescott and his all action fight against Mauricio Herrera on the Rios undercard this past March. A fight that is in consideration for fight of the year. Takes momentum into his fight with Rios.
Alvarado showed both guts and ring smarts to out box and beat both opponents in two very different ways.
Rios who before moving up to 140lbs was almost automatic with stopping his opponents has had trouble not only with his opponents but also his weight. Failing to make weight his previous two fights not only hurt Rios in the ring it also hit his checkbook. While moving up to 140lbs will give Rios a little room to breath, (or eat) failing to make weight could also mean he had less self control than he needed to, however most likely is Rios simply outgrew the 135lbs weight limit.
However while Rios original opponent Mauricio Herrera was an easier fight, Alvarado will make Rios work for his win and Rios has proven that he is the real deal. He won’t be afraid of the bigger Alvarado and will definitely make sure Alvarado knows that from the first press conference they have. Rios is a master at getting under his opponents skin, Alvarado will be no exception.
Alvarado who will be going into the ring for the first time as a legitimate underdog is the natural 140lbs and has fought at this weight class since turning pro has proven weight issues won’t be a distraction come October 13th. While this will be Alvarado’s first real “major” fight he is no stranger to being on the big stage. From his years as a wrestler in Colorado and being in the spotlight with that sport to now, Oct 13th will be another day in the office-only this time a win will thrust Alvarado into the consideration for the elite 140lbs fighters.
No matter the outcome, expect action. All action.
And then…
I said it previously and I believe Alvarado will beat Rios. While Rios is the bigger name and has the power, Rios has also taken at more punishment than Alvarado has during his career.Rios weight struggles will also play factor as even moving up 5 lbs , I feel it won’t be enough. Rios may have the “it” trainer in Robert Garcia it also means being on the undercard with Donaire the same night. A fighter that also has Garcia as his trainer, which means training sessions will a bit tough at times. While these trainers and fighters are professionals and Garcia can handle and get both fighters ready at the same time, it doesn’t mean it would be ideal, especially after the past two performances Rios has put on.
This is Alvarado’s time, the question now is everyone in the 140lbs weight division ready?