Brandon Rios & Undercard Fighters in Hollywood

Fights at The Cosmopolitan on August 2

Brandon Rios will return to the ring on August 2 in The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The fighter known as “Bam Bam” joined the undercard fighters at Tuesday’s press conference to kick off this upcoming card promoted by Top Rank. The bouts will be showcased on HBO’s Boxing After Dark.

The presser took place at the Avalon Hollywood just steps away from the famed “Hollywood & Vine” intersection and Walk of Fame.

In attendance and joining the main event attraction of Brandon Rios were boxers Jessie Vargas, Anton Novikov, Jose Ramirez and there respective camps. Also on stage was Top Rank’s Todd duBoef, HBO’s Tony Walker, The Cosmopolitan’s Fedor Banuchi, and WBO champ Mikey Garcia. Rios’ (31-2, 23 KOs) Argentinean opponent Diego Chaves (23-1, 19 KOs) was not present at this event.

August 2 promises to heat up the Vegas Strip. The sparks will fly at The Cosmopolitan as the young hungry fighters trade leather.

It has been eight months since Rios’ was defeated by future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao back in November 2013. His second professional lost had taken place in March of last year when he rematched his nemesis Mike Alvarado. After these two back-to-back losses, the 28-year-old says he can’t wait to get back in the ring and prove himself.

“It’s been eight long months, a long time,” Rios told me. “Oxnard’s been going great and I can’t wait to fight!”

Known for his brash, off-the-cuff personality and a steady stream of cursing, this Brandon Rios seemed more humble–and extremely happy to be fighting again. Not one bit of cussing left his mouth and no trash talking either (although that may have been an easy feat to do since his opponent was not there in front of him).

Training with Roberto Garcia, the team recently ceased working with strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza. Knowing they need to get a statement win, both Garcia and Rios say they will give the fans a great show. Rios and Chavez will square off in a 10-round welterweight battle. Brandon is never in a boring fight so watch for the slugger shake off any ring rust and get to business inside the ropes.

The bouts will air live on HBO’s Boxing After Dark and will feature a clash between Las Vegas fighter Jessie Vargas, who will defend his WBA light welterweight belt versus Russian challenger Anton Novikov (a former WBC Silver welterweight champ).

Vargas and Novikov were both on stage and the two warriors promise to leave it all in their ring. This 12-round war should bring fireworks to the ring as the southpaw Novikov and his manager Steve Bash plan on walking away the victors in this feud.

Top Rank President Todd duBoef says this fight will be an exciting one. Jessie Vargas says he will rise to the occasion and also requested VADA testing from Team Novikov.

Also on stage was the pride of Central California, Jose Ramirez. The 21-year-old Olympian and unbeaten pro Jose Ramirez will face Alfred Romero. He was flanked by trainer Armando Mancinas and manager Rick Mirigian. Ramirez is also currently working with famed boxing trainer Freddie Roach and says he continues to learn as he loves being a “student of the sport.”

After the speeches concluded, the four fighters faced the crowd as the flashbulbs pooped.

And come August 2, it’s gonna be poppin’ in the boxing ring as this group of prizefighters will be gunning for another victory.

Tickets: 800-745-3000 or www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

Photos by Michele Chong