The American, who was surprisingly handed a fight with Pacquiao despite losing his last fight to Mike Alvarado, is taking nothing for granted as he heads into the biggest bout of his career in just three weeks’ time.
“I’m ready for the Pacquiao that was dominating the game,” said Rios. “That’s the guy I’m ready for.
“I am not looking at his last fight when he got knocked out by Márquez. That could happen to anybody – that could happen to me.
“We cannot go in thinking Pacquiao is done, he’s old. I’m not looking at that. I’m looking at the Pacquiao that was dominating the game.
“I am getting in the best shape I can get and I’ll be ready mentally and physically for this fight. And if he looks old? Great – that gives me more time to warm up.
“If he’s at his best? Great – then I have to warm up faster,” added the 27 year-old Californian.
Pacquiao, 34, believes he can return to form following his losses to Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley, with the winner heading towards a potential world title shot against the latter as Bob Arum has now secured a fringe version of WBO belt for the fight.
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Manny Pacquiao v Brandon Rios is live on BoxNation from Macau, China on November 23. To subscribe in the UK click any BoxNation link or banner on the WBN website.
