The 28 year-old was one of three names publicly mentioned by Brook and Hearn, alongside Amir Khan and Juan Manuel Marquez, that the IBF welterweight champion is interested in facing for his second title defense in the coming months.
Brandon being Brandon, the rugged puncher had no problem accepting the challenge when speaking with WBN in a phone interview on Wednesday.
“The last thing I heard was my manager was talking to them (Brook and his team). Not like huge talks, but talks have been going,” Rios exclusively told World Boxing News.
On a potential date, Rios added: “June 13th if they want it. His promoter after the Jo Jo Dan fight said that Brook’s going to fight on that date, so if they want it, I’m ready. I’ll go to the UK no problem.”
Brook, also 28, has been left disappointed as British rival Khan is eyeing up other options, although Rios is still unsure whether ‘The Special One’ really wants to mix it with him or if the Yorkshireman is just trying to keep himself relevant with the top names at 147.
“I honestly don’t know if he really wants to fight me, but he mentioned my name, and his promoter Ed Hearn mentioned my name and I accept the challenge. Let’s do it!
“Amir Khan is occupied and looking at somebody else so that is out of the question. Marquez is out hurt, injured and I don’t know when he is going to be back in the ring. I’m available. If he wants to fight let’s fight.
“Keith Thurman doesn’t want to go to the UK and fight him, so I’ll go to the UK and fight him. I have no problem going to Brook’s backyard to fight,” he added.
Rios has recorded back-to-back victories over Diego Chaves, and most impressively against Mike Alvarado last time out in their trilogy bout – on the back of losing a one-sided decision to Manny Pacquiao in November 2013.
An encounter with Brook would certainly capture the imagination of the fans on both sides of the Atlantic, and after Hearn stated his fighter could be back as early as May, the fight could happen towards the end of the summer if talks go well.
