The camp of Brandon Rios is promising an action packed affair when he squares off against Manny Pacquiao on Sunday (Macau time).
At this stage and for this very important match for Rios, putting pressure to Pacquiao and cutting off the ring may be the only strategy that will work for him, given his natural strength.
Yes, it is important for Rios to dictate the tempo of the fight, to get the better of their exchanges and intimidate Pacquiao.
The question, however, is: Will it work?
On paper, it works well for the American. Rios has a career 33 fights (31 victories, 1 loss and a draw) with 23 of them coming via stoppage. He has a better KO percentage (69.7) than Pacquiao?s 62.3 percent.
He is not known to box his way to victory and prefers phone booth brawls to take advantage of his brute force. Rios loves to trade punches. The downside to it is suspect defense and his unproven stamina and courage against A-1 opponents. .
He has also never met a heavy puncher like Pacquiao. Additionally, he has never met somebody remotely approximating Pacquiao?s speed.
More importantly, he never had the chance to deal with a southpaw that has an equally explosive right hook as Pacquiao. And to boot, an intelligent fighter who is known to adjust to what his opponent brings to the table.
But what is chilling is that his announced gameplan is a recipe for disaster when up against a boxer who has fought the best of them all in his generation. Oh ? there is one who has the skills and power to possibly give Pacquiao a beatdown but is finding all the excuses to avoid the Filipino boxing hero.
Pacquiao thrives under pressure. He loves his opponent coming forward to him. The Gensan hero loves to mix it up too and more.
Can Rios pull a surprise and disrupt Pacquiao?s rhythm like Marquez has found the antidote to the Filipino?s venomous attacks?
If there is anything wanting in Pacquiao?s style, it is his preponderance to walk into an ambush.
Like he was ambushed by Rustico Torrecampo with one punch flush to the chin, similar to the one he didn?t see against Marquez. Erik Morales, in his only victory in three fights against Pacquiao, waited for Pacquiao to commit before counterpunching. It worked for Morales until the last two rounds when his innate masculinity almost got the better of him. Had that fight been held in the era of 15-round championship fights, Morales, too, would have finished the fight the way he did in their two subsequent rematches ? in knockouts.
Pacquiao, at times can be impatient. Like he was frustrated when Joshua Clottey and Shane Mosley retreated to their shells after tasting Pacquiao?s awesome power.
Call it wisdom, but one should not underestimate Pacquiao?s ability to learn from his lessons.
Call him a shot fighter. But until he losses so badly, Pacquiao is still the most dangerous fighter in this planet.
Even the one that could soundly beat him isn?t taking any chances.
Even the one who last inflicted his loss isn?t willing to do it one more time.
Yes, throw that caution to the wind. Once Rios gets hit solidly, however, all game plans are in the thrash.
Better for Rios to fight on instinct and hope to yet again ambush Pacquiao. (Next: Pacquiao?s gameplan)
