The fight is slated for the Venetian Macau Resort Hotel and will see both fighter’s attempt to get back to winning ways after recent losses to Juan Manuel Marquez and Mike Alvarado respectively.
Alvarado ironically was also in the running for the bout, although Pacquiao had the final say and plumped for one-time WBA lightweight champion Rios as his next opponent for what will be his first fight in eleven months.
Pacquiao, 34, cannot afford another defeat after suffering a shocking knockout to Marquez on the back of his controversial loss to Timothy Bradley and needs a stellar performance to once again attract the interest of Floyd Mayweather.
‘Money’ put on a eye-catching display against Robert Guerrero on Saturday night and with a shortage of opponents, could turn to the ‘Pacman’ next year if the Filipino can once again get back in the mix at 147lbs.
More details or set to emerge on Pacquiao’s first fight outside the United States in seven years, with Chinese amateur sensation Zou Shiming the only name at the moment that is certain to make an appearance on the bill.
