It's obvious that Rios needs more to his boxing than the skills he currently possesses. Not simply for the sake of winning and being competitive at elite level, but also for his own long term health. He has very little lateral body movement, doesn't use his shoulders but rather defends with his head, chin exposed. Even when he wins fights he gets battered. He is a punching bag and the damage is beginning to show already, he speech seems slurred and he is only 27. He needs to retire and invest the money in something longterm or he needs to employ a more defensive style. It's a shame because he is a very entertaining fighter and seems a nice guy, but he is prime candidate for future brain damage
His style is why people love to watch him though. It might not be conducive to career longevity, but people will remember him for it and be watching his fights long after hea retired.
Rios was a Top 15 P4P Fighter before the Pacquiao fight and still is. There is no shame in getting destroyed bu one of the best fighters in history. Pacquiao would make most everyone look bad.
You dont understand what I'm trying to say which is my fault. Rios is heading towards permanent brain damage because of his style of boxing. He has a granite chin which is his main asset in the ring but in the long run it will prove to be his undoing. Rios is getting hit to the head too often. Those punches may not immediately knock him out but they will have accumulative damage. Rios is a brave fighter but not a very clever one.
It's too late in the game for him to change styles. He is who he is and people enjoy watching him fight because of it. That said, he really needs to consider retiring if he takes another beating like that.
