2013 didn?t go as expected for former lightweight titlist Brandon Rios.
In March, Rios would lose a razor-thin points victory over twelve rounds in a rematch with Mike Alvarado in Las Vegas.
Given that the fight was wildly entertaining, Rios? stock didn?t drop too horribly and he would still end up landing a pay per view shot at Filipino star Manny Pacquiao later in the year.
On Nov. 23, in Macau, China, Rios was soundly outpointed by Pacquiao, as he absorbed several flush punches on his way to a unanimous decision loss.
Sharing his thoughts on Rios? effort two weekends ago, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum pointed towards a clash of styles that simply didn?t go in the Kansas native?s favor.
?I think he tried his heart out,? Arum stated exclusively to HustleBoss.com. ?He worked very, very hard in training. Manny just has too many skills for him. There are plenty of guys who Brandon would do a lot better with.?
Still a fan favorite because of his affable nature and all-action style inside of the ropes, Arum believes that a third fight with Alvarado will make perfect sense in the second half of 2014.
?We?re talking to HBO about maybe doing a double header in the spring with Brandon in one fight and Mike Alvarado in another,? Arum revealed. ?And then, if they both win, putting them in against each other for the third fight in this great trilogy.?
