Wow, it was a great fight between Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado, both undefeated going into last night’s war in Carson, CA at the Home Depot Center. Unfortunately, someone had to lose. This fight had true boxing fans really excited and rightly so. It was a war for six and a half rounds. Rios stayed true to form and stayed in Alvarado’s face the whole fight, brawling inside as he always does. Alvarado did not shy away either (as expected) throwing over 100 punches per round.
Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios pulled off a TKO in the 7th round with some nasty overhand rights. I thought it would be Rios who would do a little more boxing in this fight, thinking he would not carry power up to 140. I was wrong about that. He stayed inside pushing forward using body shots, uppercuts, and overhand rights all night, eventually stopping Alvarado in the 7th in what should be considered one of the top fights for 2012 as predicted.
Alvarado, to his credit, also looked good in this fight. When he created space boxing off of his jab, he did great against Rios. Going into the 7th I had him up four rounds to two as did Harold Lederman, but it was Alvarado that did not listen to his corner, failing to keep the fight more on the outside. Both fighters were warriors and they both got more fans, win or lose, out of this fight. Top Rank did right by putting the fight together, so like Rios said during the post-fight, “F*** it, let’s do it again.”
I think fans would love to see them square off again, but if it does not happen in an immediate rematch, there are a lot of other fights that would be good for fans if they take place. Personally, I would like to see either one of them fight Lucas Matthysse or any of the three titleholders at 140 (Juan Manuel Marquez, Danny Garcia, or Lamont Peterson). Peterson though, would be my last choice and in my opinion maybe the easiest to sneak in to become a titleholder. Other possible opponents are Eric Morales, Devon Alexander, or Randal Bailey; although I would rather see fights with any of the three title holders,Matthysse, or even Josesito Lopez, who should be coming back down to 140!
As a boxing fan and a Colorado native, I have to admit my heart was pulling for Alvarado and the 303; however, it did not go as hoped for. Subsequently, I did become more of a fan for Rios from this fight and I have to give him respect for the props and post-fight comments he made regarding Alvarado. Anyways, long story short, there are a lot of fights our there for fans at 140 but why not watch these guys do it again. Although not a championship fight last night, they both fought like champs and I find it inevitable that both fighters will hold a belt in the near future. My hat goes off to Brandon Rios with the impressive victory and also to Top Rank for getting this one right. “F*** it, let’s do it again.”
Mile High Mike gave that fight away. The difference was who the boxers had in their corners. Alvarado needs to get an elite trainer as he has all the skill in the world and punches with power.
It doesn’t get any better than that ! Take a rest guys, then please, sign those rematch contracts .
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