By Manny Magana
“It’s what you call an old school dog fight.” That’s what Roy Jones Jr. said of Alvarado vs. Rios last October. He couldn’t have said it any better. Rios eventually ended the bloody war in the 7th round with several vicious right hooks that stunned Alvarado to the point where the referee had to stop the fight. It’s hard for a rematch to live up to the hype, but in this particular case, I think it will.
Both fighters have a gift that makes these matches instant classics. That gift is sheer will. There’s no doubt both fighters will pour their heart and soul into the fight this Saturday and leave the mat looking like a bull’s last day in La Plaza de Toros. Unfortunately, I think the outcome for Alvarado will be equally grim. Then again, part of the beauty of boxing is that anything can happen. As much as it is a game of skill and power, a little luck can sometimes be the deciding factor.
I can see the first couple rounds unfolding with Alvarado working the jab to his favor. The only thing is Rios can walk right through it. The kid has a jaw of steel. It will be a back and forth war in the ring with Rios trying to catch Alvarado on the ropes. Alvarado could catch Brandon with good combos all night if he uses that jab well, and he could wind up getting the point victory. But in the end, I think Rios will wear him down with body shots and knock him out in the later rounds—if I had to bet on it, I would say the 10th. But Like I said, anything can happen in boxing.
Rios has more to lose if he gives another spotlight performance, he would be due a pay-per-view headline fight. People are already saying a fight against Broner, Marquez, or even Pacman might be in the cards. But that’s a question for another time. First, Brandon has to go through Alvarado.
I hope you boxing fans out there watch what could easily be one of the best fights of the year this Saturday March 30, 2013 on HBO, featured by Top Rank. Before these two warriors entered the ring last October Larry Merchant said, “It’s foolish to guarantee a fight of the year, but hardened ring reporters are excited.” Foolishness aside, this next installment should be equally worthy of excitement.