This guy is a very good fighter. He's better than the likes of Hatton or Margarito imo in terms of style. There are some subtle nuances to his style that make him very effective.he moves extremely well and has a decent defence. his punch power is also awesome plus he has a solid chin. he throws every punch in the book and last night it was very short, compact right hands that did Antillon. Rios knows exactly what he is and what he has to do to win fights. Rios is the best at 135 imo. If he fights Barrera next, I hope medical personnel will be on hand at ringside. I would like to see Rios go to 140. Murray or Mitchell would be cannon fodder for Rios. Katsidis would be plowed into the canvas also. Rios is the real deal.
Rios looks to have a decent beard going on the Acosta fight. I reckon he would've got to Edwin late, Rios packs his own power, not one shot force, but when he mixes in his right hand especially he looks to have a serious dig. Valeros choppy shots slashing, and then smashing Rios late on is also a serious possibility of course.
He is a very good fighter and showed great heart to come back and KO Miguel Acosta who was seemingly outboxing Rios (although at the time I thought the stoppage was a little harsh, because Acosta was still trading shots and throwing back. Rios would have still stopped Acosta anyway). Although I think Guerrero and JMM both beat Rios. I'd love to see him in with Katsidis because that would be an all out war which I think Rios takes by KO. I'd also like to see him against Maidana, a fight which I also think Rios takes.
Acosta isn't a great puncher IMO. He's a slashing puncher as well and he does it on the back foot. He doesn't really turn into the shots. Would have been a war but we all know Valero was the next Pacquiao especially with roids.
He would have beaten Valero. I believe that Rios is still underrated. This guy is an elite fighter imo. He would beat anyone at 135. If he moves up to 140, I'd take him over Bradley, Maidana, Alexander and Khan even. I think he would get to Bradley (who has been dropped a few times) in a war. I think Maidana would have no problems going toe to toe and would get beaten by Rios who is a more complete fighter, throws better shots and probably hits just as hard. Alexander would look for a way out after a few rounds like he did vs Bradley. Khan would be in more trouble than he was against Maidana in the 10th round.
Thought Rios jab was very good last night. Going to be very hard to beat at Lightweight. Wasn't sure he was hurt by Antillion at all last night commentators seemed to think he was but I didn't see it.
You're way, way, way overrating him. His footwork isn't that good. He's not half as dynamic as you're making him sound.
he has ****in underrated defense, ive been arguing with the guys in the general all morning [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID5OpAOz-u8[/ame] look at 1:00 when antillon starts firing and then again 1:40 rios blocks, slips and parries most of the shots.
The above. His footwork is a bit to John Murray ish for my liking. Better than Murray obviously but its of that ilk, a little too flat footed. Very exploitable. He'd have troubled shutting Khan and Bradley down without getting outboxed, Marquez too.
Doesnt mean hes not susceptible to a shot, which he is. Look at how many times Antillon hit him clean in those 3 rounds. He probably has a fairly decent defence when hes interested in it but hes never going to change. He will always be hitable. An excellent offensive fighter but lacking in defence somewhat.
You underrate Acosta's power a bit TFFP. It's not quite Valero-like, but when he's advancing/plants his feet he can really do some damage.
ofcourse he is my point is for the style he fights in he has an excellent defense. look at antillon on the other end, he fights the same style as rios but got caught with almost every single punch.