Brandon Rios on his title shot, his buddy Margarito, Donaire-Montiel, and more.......

Brandon Rios’ moment of truth is creeping closer by the day. On February 26th the lightweight contender will challenge Venezuela’s Miguel Acosta for his WBA crown at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada in a fight that figures to be full of action and suspense.
After a brief training stint with Nonito Donaire in San Carlos, Rios is now back in Oxnard and has recently been spotting sparring with junior welterweight contender Victor Cayo. While Rios is a man usually full of charisma and laughter, the 24-year old speaks with a steely demeanor when discussion his first world title shot and the challenges that lie ahead.
Continue reading for Rios’ thoughts on finding a way to defeat Acosta, Donaire’s chances against Fernando Montiel next month, an eventual move up to 140 pounds, his friendship with Antonio Margarito, his opinion of being under Bob Arum’s Top Rank umbrella, and much more…

Ready for Miguel Acosta on February 26th…
“Robert is the one who considered him one of the best out there, besides Marquez, at 135. So we’re going to be ready. I’ve seen a couple of rounds of him but I let Robert do all the training and strategy. But to defeat Miguel Acosta I think we need pressure, come in smart, keep our hands up, and just be very smart because he throws a lot of punches and he moves around very good.”

Humberto Soto's thrilling war with Urbano Antillon...
“That was a really good fight. Maybe not the fight of the year [though]. Soto definitely is in the back of my head though. But right now I’m just going to be concentrating on Miguel Acosta. I still do want to fight Humberto Soto or Antillon, whoever wins that green belt I want to fight. But right now I’m concentrating on Miguel Acosta and we’ll see after this.”

Camaraderie with trainer Robert Garcia…
“Now we’re very close to each other. He’s cool people. I’m cool with him and he’s cool with me. In the gym we go to work with each other. He does his job and he makes sure that I’m alright. He does his job very well. Outside of the gym and everything, we hang out once and a while and I know his family. He was the best man at my wedding so that explains a lot. We are very tight and we have a bond with each other. Like I said, everything is cool. Training and friendship is not going to affect us.”

A brief time in camp with Nonito Donaire…
“I was in camp with Donaire over there for a week and a half but we broke camp earlier because we really weren’t getting that much sparring. There wasn’t a lot of sparring partners so we came back down here for sparring. But training camp with Donaire was excellent. I loved going to San Francisco and training there. Nice people and everything around us was nice.”

Donaire’s chances against Fernando Montiel…
“I know it’s going to be a tough fight. I think Donaire can pull it off. Donaire is fast, he’s quick, he moves very well. I think he can pull it off. It’s going to be a tough fight because Montiel is no joke. Montiel comes forward and he hits pretty hard. Actually they both hit hard. It’s going to be an interesting fight and a good fight for both.”

A year ago…
“A year ago I wasn’t on the right track. I think a year ago if I didn’t change in my life I wouldn’t have the opportunity to fight for a world title. I’m glad I turned my life around and I’m glad I have people around me who helped me turn my life around. I really dedicate it to my wife because she helped me a lot to change my life too.”

A possible move to 140 pounds…
“I really saw that the other day when I was reading it on ***********, I saw that Robert said that. He said I could have two more fights at lightweight and then move up to junior welterweight. I didn’t know. Robert didn’t tell me but if he really feels I can do better at junior welterweight I am ready to make that move.”

Amir Khan’s victory over Marcos Maidana…
“That was a good fight. Khan’s preparation was 100% good. Maidana is always Maidana. He’s a strong fighter with a lot of balls and a lot of heart. I think it was a really good fight. Both guys were competitive. There were no disappointments in that fight. If I moved up to junior welterweight I would love to fight those guys.”

Keeping tabs with Antonio Margarito…
“Him and his wife, they always text me and they ask me about my newborn. We keep in touch all the time. Antonio Margarito is my boy no matter what. Even if the fight didn’t go as planned or expected, it’s because Pacquiao is a beast. There is only one Manny Pacquiao. There is only one boxer in the world who can do what he did. But Tony did his best, he showed the world that he has balls, and he got my respect 100%. Tony is my boy and he’s always been my boy. We consider each other brothers.”

Under Top Rank’s promotional umbrella…
“I’ve been with Top Rank since 2004 and they’ve been very good with me. I’m happy with where I am at. I’m happy with Bob Arum and I’m happy with the fights they give me. My manager Cameron Dunkin is making everything happen. I’m very happy with Top Rank and happy to have that banner around me. Bob Arum is one of the best promoters out there I think. I love them and I am very grateful.”

His daughter Mia…
“It’s changed me pretty good. I got to do good for my child. To me now it’s more of a motivation. I can’t go out there and not win. I have to win because if I don’t win they are taking money away from my child. My mind is 100% ready and I’m ready to eventually become a world champion. My daughter has put more confidence in my training. Her name is Mia Guadalupe Rios.”


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