When the mushroom cloud dissipates in Macau next week, it will be the hands of Brandon Rios that will emerge from all the rubble and debris.
?It?s time for a new, young force?like me?to put an end to his career,? Rios said a day after his arrival in Macau about ten days before he contends with Manny Pacquiao.
?My hand will be raised,? stressed the 27-year-old from Oxnard, California through publicity ace Lee Samuels.
Team Rios and Samuels touched down in Macau from Los Angeles early Wednesday morning and the Mexican-American puncher oozed with confidence in his chances of sending Pacquiao, who turns 35 on Dec. 17, into retirement.
?Victory is mine,? said Rios, the heavy underdog in the scheduled 12-round welterweight match that takes place at the Cotai Arena, a 15,000-capacity venue housed within The Venetian.
Rios, however, said he is not taking Pacquiao lightly as he expects to see the Pacquiao of old to answer the bell.
And while Rios appears to be tailor-made for Pacquiao, trainer Freddie Roach believes Rios remains a livewire opponent and somebody not to be messed with.
?He?s tough but tough guys don?t win fights. Good fighters, do,? said Roach, who has been presiding over Pacquiao?s preparation in General Santos City the last six weeks.
Meanwhile, the World Boxing Organization, which is sanctioning the fight, has appointed veteran referee Genaro Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois, as the third man on the ring. The three judges are Michael Pernick of Miami, Lisa Giampa of Las Vegas and Manfred Kuchler of Germany. (Nick Giongco)
