The 32 year-old fought a mammoth battle in one of the fights of the year so far against Mike Alvarado last month and his reward is to be Rios’ first opponent at the light-welterweight limit.
Herrera believes that he is catching his fellow-Californian at the right time on the back of his worst performance and is confident of moving on to a world title fight in the near future.
“I think Rios will be just as tough as Alvarado, but I will be sharper, faster and will hold the better foot work. I feel I will out-work Rios and take the victory,” Herrera told World Boxing News.
“I do think Rios lost the Abril fight and I believe that Richard exposed him, something I will match and the hopefully move on to a rematch with Alvarado, which I would love.
“I feel the first fight was close so we need to do it again and then the winner of Amir Khan v Danny Garcia would interest me as I know I can give a great show in any world title fight and come out on top.
He went on: “Before they were matched, I was hopeful of challenging Garcia, but I’ll take the Rios fight as it will get me more known to the fans and put me closer to a shot at a 140lb champion.
“I think Khan can take it and then I must fight fight him for those belts. There are a lot of tough fighters in the 140lb division, but I am up for the challenge so let’s make the matches that the people want to see.
“Thank you Phil and thanks to all the fans.”
