Brandon Rios vs the Light Welters

I think 147 is the best option.

I think that's were he'd find his true level as well. Gatekeeper/journeyman level.

 

Rios is more methodical though, and tighter all-round. Whether that's a pro or con is debatable. I see a similar fight to the Maidana one pretty much. Rios is a better finisher but Khan should see it through and squeeze through on points IMO.

It's down to whether you think Maidana's awkwardness (I.e sloppiness) was what made him hard for Khan to consistently evade or whether Khan is that shocking defensively and any good offensive fighter should b able to get to him. I lean towards the latter theory, so Rios could have his moments.

 

It's certainly possible, and I would love to see Khan take another beating

 

I dont think he'll beat any of them, I think he'll struggle with most of the top10 at 140.

He's a straight forward plodder without much craft or technical ability. Once he comes up against guys his own size I think he'll get whooped more often than not. If he keeps on fighting the same way against bigger welterweights he'll get destroyed imo.

 

I can see where you're coming from, there's not a doubt in my mind that he beats Ortiz though. He's definitely one where there are certain styles he won't watch up well against, such as Abril. For instance, I said, before the Abril fight, that Burns would beat Rios especially if the fight was at 135, I think after this weekend a lot more agree with this. Although, against someone like Khan, Rios would be able to bully him on the inside, push him back and loop hooks around his guard. Khan would not see the final bell.

 

Free Pablo.

 

I think Rios vs Ortiz is the natural next fight for both men.

They hate each other, they're both at a pretty low ebb career-wise - stick them in together.

For me, Rios would have his way with him, after losing most of the early rounds, he'll capitalise when Victor inevitably implodes.

 

I can't see Rios beating many in truth. Don't think he has the skills, he's basically a plodder with good punching power.

Maidana/Matthyse/Alvarado would be give and take affairs, he could win those. Much depends on their chin/durability in that type of fight and he appears good in that respect, so they might be slightly in his favour. Guaranteed fight of the year candidates too.

The rest are probably too skilled, including Soto. Soto stands in the pocket which might seem like it'd help Brandon, but truth is he's a lot more skilled there. Look how Abril nullified him.

 

He would be a journeyman facing natural Middles. He'd still be big at welter, but against web this poor welter division? He'd get battered.

To refute that is the stupid side to take, not making the hypothesis in the first place.

Acosta, on reflection, was skilled and aesthetically pleasing but Moses-Antillon-Acosta-Rios isn't the harshest of breeding grounds. Post-Acosta, Rios has only got more underwhelming. He just isn't all that.

 

^^ Agree with the last part, Rios has looked like an average champion since his fine display against Acosta.

The weight draining has to be an issue.

 

He needs to move up but Khan, Bradley, JMM, Peterson etc look like bad match ups.