There is no doubt in my mind the Brandon Rios (27 – 0 – 1) and Urbano Antillon fight will be a candidate for fight of the year. Both are tremendous fighters that have heart and resiliency. They might as well modify the size of the ring to a bath tub because no one is planning to run. The fight will be right in the middle with Rios and Antillon slugging it out.
Rios was tremendous in his fight against Miguel Acosta in February. The WBA World Lightweight Champion is, like Antillon, an exciting fighter who reminds many of past exciting champions like Mickey Ward and Arturo Gatti. Rios is peaking at the right time after finishing then-champion Acosta in the 10th round. He has knocked out nine of his last ten opponents in action-packed fights. You can’t argue that his opponents were punching bags because the list includes Acosta, Anthony Peterson, Manuel Perez and Jorge Teron, who were all in their primes when Rios defeated them.
Antillon (28 – 2) and Humberto Soto put on a show in December. Antillon lost by unanimous decision but gained much-deserved respect and recognition as one of the most exciting fighters today. He deserved a rematch against Soto and was going to get it on the undercard of Pacquiao – Mosley. Unfortunately, Soto decided to part ways with Top Rank and Antillon was denied a shot at redemption.
Rios and Antillon have faced one common opponent — Acosta — with different results. Acosta beat Antillon via 9th round TKO. It’s not an indication that Rios will beat Antillon because it’s never like that in boxing or any sport for that matter. It just provides insight on how Rios and Antillon will attack each other.
Fight fans should feel like winners come July 9. We can finally spit the nasty taste of the Haye – Klitschko bore fest out of our mouths. Rios and Antillon will bring it and leave everything in the ring.
