NEW Video with the WBA Champ
“How do rumors get started? They’re started by the jealous people…And they get mad seein’ somethin’ they had and somebody else is holdin’!” goes the old ’80s song by the Timex Social Club.
Just like in this classic “Rumors” tune, WBA Lightweight World Champion Brandon Rios (28-0-1, 21 KOs) has what the other 135-pounders want: A championship belt, a large and growing loyal fan base and lucrative paydays for the high-octane slugger nicknamed “Bam Bam.”
After his slammin’ KOs over Urbano Antillon in July and Miguel Acosta in February, boxing fans have been waiting to see who the 25-year-old star takes on next.
I had a chance to catch up with the unbeaten lightweight at the Cotto vs. Margarito II news conference this past Thursday at the Wilshire Grand in Los Angeles. The Top Rank boxer was there to support his fellow slugger and stablemate, Antonio Margarito. The pair also share a trainer in Robert Garcia.
The fun-loving, always joking around Rios has an outgoing and brash way of speaking that has brought forth both fans and critics.
With his colorful antics outside the ring to his “El Grito” war cry inside the ring, “Bam Bam” is always noticed.
Love him or hate him, he is, arguably, one of the most exciting fighters to watch. With his fierce “predator” style, his wars are all-action affairs. Boxing fans are riveted by his aggressive assaults inside the ropes. Brandon Rios will never be called a “boring fighter.” What you see is what you get with the rising superstar who trains out of the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Oxnard. Off the canvas, Rios is a proud family man with a new baby girl, Mia, and also donates his time to charitable causes as well. But it is his KO performances in the ring and his spirited “trash talking” outside the squared circle that really gets the people talking.
Which brings us back to all those rumors.
Brandon Rios’ name has been really swirling around the rumor mills lately. Many Internet reports were wondering if Rios would be on the November 12 Pacquiao-Marquez undercard? Then came the whispers about a December 10 matchup; then the date of December 3 was bandied about on boxing blogs.
With his exciting “don’t blink” style, many other prizefighters have called him out, hoping to trade leather with the undefeated champ. Among the various names being mentioned by both media and fans have been London’s Kevin Mitchell, Filipino sensation Mercito Gesta, John Molina Jr. and even rival Victor Ortiz (now at welterweight). One in particular has been especially vocal in calling out Rios. John Molina wants to fight “Bam Bam,” even showing up toward the end of the press conference to go toe to toe with the champ–at least, verbally. John’s co-manager Sergio Diaz also reps Antonio Margarito, and at the Cotto–Margarito event, Molina was pushing for a war in the ring with Rios.
Last week, Brandon responded to the November and December possibilities but not confirming anything at the time, deferring any official announcement to his manager, Cameron Dunkin. Rios says the team has his best interests at heart, and he’s in great hands with the well-regarded Dunkin. “But I’d love to fight ANYONE!” Rios confirms.
While we all wait for the official statement, ESPN’s Dan Rafael broke the story over the weekend that Rios will defend on December 3, opponent to be named. Quickly scanning BoxRec, I see that this winter matchup is indeed listed for the undercard of the Cotto–Margarito clash at Madison Square Garden in New York.
So one mystery is solved. Next we will wait to find out the name of the challenger.
WHO WILL IT BE?
Will it turn out to be John Molina Jr.? It’s crystal clear he wants his chance.
Chances are whomever Brandon Rios faces next, the boxing world will be watching.
For now, you can watch the always-entertaining “Bam Bam” in this new interview with the world titleholder.
In my chat with the champ, meet his fearless “bodyguard” Nestor (whom I enjoyed meeting) and hear Brandon’s thoughts on the Margarito–Cotto rematch. You’ll also learn how he shows “love” to his trainer–and listen to the reason why Rios won’t box with girls!
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, HERE’S “BAM BAM”!
Photos by Michele Chong
Brandon Rios Interview Link: