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.

[Spicoli]

Thats just it. I think he moves up right after Antillion. I feel like guys today are on an exceptionally fast track and there wont be anymore so-so touches to hone up skill and game. This is actually one hell of a early 'crossroads' match for he and Antillion, hey I'm not complaining but I don't see him staying at top for a very long time. Dudes style burns his candle at both ends...and fast. The guys a strong bull who catches leather aplenty. He's not a cyborg. As crazy as it sounds I think the thing to beat him is not so much a big puncher but one who can absorb some with high volume of your own.

[ruthless rocco]

there are gonna be alot of punches thrown in this fight and most will probably land...

i think rios is gonna have trouble with that hand he broke in his last fight. its only had a few months to heal...i think its going to limit rios' aggression and antillon may be able to over power him down the stretch.

i think antillon has to really has to make his punches count. i'd like to see him focus considerable effort working the body.

i think this could be a big upset.

[DopeyKev]

I'd like to see Rios vs Guerrero.

[Rantcatrat]

The big names, Soto, Guerrero and Marquez are gone from the lightweight division. Rios isn't the fight Kastidis is looking for after losing to Guerrero. Assuming he beats Antillon, I believe Antonio Demarco is the mandatory. Demarco would be overmatched, but it's not a horrible fight. Miguel Vazquez bleh. Was there talk of the winner of Mitchell and Murray taking on Rios? Bigger names are at 140, but I wouldn't mind seeing him against the Murray/Mitchell winner in a way although he'd be favored. Can someone answer me this question? If Rios is ranked #2, after the champion and lineal champion JMM, since Soto, #3, and Guerrero #4, are leaving the division to go to junior welterweight, if Rios fought #5 Mitchell, would that be for the lineal belt? How does that work?