Wednesday afternoon at Top Rank Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, Nevada was the tale of two stories for Mike Alvarado and Brandon Rios. Let’s start with Mike Alvarado. He showed up for his time to answer questions from the media; and although both fighters were expected to run through a workout, Alvarado elected not to.
To me, Alvarado appeared a bit tight and also a little drained for their upcoming rematch on Saturday March 30th, 2013 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on HBO’s Boxing After Dark. When asked about what was different this time around, Alvarado said he prepared better in comparison to the first fight with Rios, indicating that he did not train with fighters specific to Rios’ style for the first fight. He also did a good portion of his training in California this time versus the Mile High City in Denver, CO where he usually finishes his entire fight camp. Alvarado indicated he would try to box more on Saturday as he had some success behind his jab in their first fight. Subsequently, he said he was not going for the knockout this time; he is “going for the win.” My guess is this will work until he gets hit or gets cut.
On the other hand, Brandon Rios is pointing to a 5th round knockout but another war while it lasts. Unlike his counterpart, Rios appeared very loose and relaxed while he went through a full workout for the media. Rios was playful with everyone who showed up at Top Rank Boxing Gym today; and, as usual, had his trainer Robert Garcia laughing and grinning from ear to ear about his young and talented fighter.
Myboxingfans was able to catch up with fellow Top Rank welterweight fighter Jesse Vargas and get his take on the fight. When asked about what he thought about Rios’ prediction of a 5th round knockout, he said that both fighters are tough, but Rios seems very confident right now and was definitely capable of following up with another knockout. However, he would not be surprised if it was another battle as were all seven rounds in the first fight in October 2012, which was a FOY candidate.
Only two days away and boxing fans will get another treat. Selfishly, and being a Colorado native, I would like to see Alvarado pull it off so that boxing fans could get a rubber match. It’s almost impossible with their styles for it not to be another FOY candidate for 2013 for however long it lasts.
All Photos by Chris Farina