Beating Brandon Rios

[Mars_ax]

I haven't watched enough tape but you are on the right track. Make him fight at mid- range, make space by bumping back. Turn him in to punches. Time his big uppercut with counter hooks. If you can turn him, plant and throw the two, you might slow him down. If he doesn't respect your power he is going to walk you down. I would focus on getting off first, beating him to the punch, getting off combinations and then get out before he counters. He will probably get frustrated and a little careless. I think he can be walked and turned in to some big, straight shots.

Rios would destroy Molina. I would like to see him against someone like Kendall Holt (on a good day). Eventually he will move up and find some tough fights. I think he gets exposed at light welter.

I don't know about exposed, but if Rios moves up in weight the competition will get stiffer, Khan, Bradley, Soto, Lucas Matt, Maidana, et al, @140 aren't going to be easy. Unless making weight becomes a big problem for him, Rios might consider staying at Lightweight for a few years.