Manny Pacquiao overwhelms a frustrated and overmatched Brandon Rios

Venetian Casino, Macau, China – Last night, Manny Pacquiao carried the weight of a nation on his shoulders with an impressive win over Brandon Rios for the WBO International Welterweight title. After getting rocked almost a year ago in his fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, where he suffered a devastating knockout, Pacquiao was not only dealing with questions of whether he would ever return to his once dominating form against Rios, but he was also dealing with the grief of his country which was struck a couple weeks ago by Typhoon Haiyan.

After Haiyan hit the Philippines, killing over 5,000 people, Pacquiao could have easily and understandably pulled out of this fight; however, he decided to continue with his training camp and proceed with the fight. Subsequently, the proud countryman and congressman of the Phillipines had to really show discipline and the heart of a champion against a very tough opponent in Brandon Rios.

From the opening bell, it was obvious Pacquiao was in a different league than Rios. Although Pacquiao could not finish him, he outclassed him throughout the fight. His footwork and combinations were entirely too fast for Rios. In most people’s eyes, Pacquiao pitched a shutout, and most found it hard to give Rios a single round in the fight. If any, I could only score the third round for Rios. He was basically a moving punching bag for Pacquiao, and faired no better than a busted sparring partner; but without the headgear to protect his swollen and busted up face. The judges at ringside scored the fight 120-108, 119-109 and 118-110. Any rounds scored for Rios by the judges, fans, and press were also close rounds in which Pacquaio probably won as well.

I won’t take anything away from Rios’ heart or his spirit. The kid will straight stand in the pocket and brawl all night with anyone if you let him. The problem was Pacquiao would not let him, and he would not stand in front of him like previous opponents such as Mike Alvarado. Although he never quit, Rios tired out by the later rounds, and it was crystal clear he was Taylor made for Pacquaio who constantly stepped around Rios with his superior footwork while unleashing hellish combinations, one after the other. It was almost embarrassing how outmatched Rios was in this fight for the biggest payday of his career. He took a real beating in this one; and consequently, similar to his fellow warrior Mike Alvarado, he needs to take significant time off to recover from this one and decide where to go from here. He was already almost ten pounds heavier than Pacman at the time of the fight after already moving up two weight classes. Now, Rios is even mentioning the possibility and desire to move to Super Welterweight.

Despite what’s next for Rios, Pacquiao is right back in the mix with no questions remaining of whether he has anything left. He is obviously one of boxing’s best even at almost 35 years of age and in the later stage of his career. Maybe we will get lucky and finally see the biggest fight out there with Floyd Mayweather. I would also not mind seeing another fight with Miguel Cotto who has also resurrected his career, or how about a vindication fight against Timothy Bradley. There is also the chance of fighting a fellow Roach-trained fighter in Ruslan Provodnikov.

With the hearts and weight of a devastated country, Pacman is back and at least for now, brought some much needed hope and celebration for the Philippines.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers at MyBoxingFans.com