Now five months on the American clash again in Nevada, a fight demanded by the fans – who witnessed a no holds barred battle between two of the top contenders in the 140lb division at the Home Depot Center.
Rios, 26, eventually came out on top as 32 year-old Alvarado refused to defer his come forward tactics, although ‘Mile High’ Mike was level on two of the judges scorecards at the time of the stoppage.
Some would say that ‘Bam Bam’ Rios was due a defeat after his mediocre showing against Richard Abril in his previous bout, but the Californian proved his grit by powering through when he seemed to be more than struggling with Alvarado’s style.
Alvarado will no doubt have to be a tad more cautious if he wants to prevail in the second clash this weekend and avoid a second defeat in 35 contests. Rios will be looking to hold on to his undefeated 32-fight record at the Mandalay Bay and further elevate his pound for pound aspirations.
There is more of a hope, than anything that the fight can live up to the expectations of the first contest as it is usually impossible for two boxers to replicate such a great battle for a second time, which I am positive won’t happen this time around.
I would have to edge with Rios coming through unscathed again though, with either an explosive early or grinding late technical knockout victory that would then cement the former lightweight world champion as mandatory contender for Juan Manuel Marquez.
Another loss would represent a rebuilding job for Alvarado, but would not necessarily see him drop out of world-class as I am certain that the Colorado puncher can come again if the same results if forced upon him this weekend
Expected victor Rios has been linked to a fight with Manny Pacquiao in September and knows nothing but a victory will do to keep his super-fight possibilities alive, and I fear that Mike Alvarado may be powerless to stop him when the bell sounds in Las Vegas.
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