This fight would potentially be FOTY . With Rios hunger and determination to kill PAC and Mannys motivation to make a impressive comeback , You cant expect anything less .
Sad part is that this looks like another Bob cherry pick gone wrong. Brandon Rios via SD unless they rob him. Pac by KO if he starts taking his PED's again.
I think Pacman will build an early lead, coast, similar to Margarito, but Rios will taunt him and lure Manny into a war. Manny's best chance is landing a brutal, nonstop 20 punch combination on Rios for a stoppage or slow Rios on bodyshots cuz Manny isn't cracking that chin. That left hook of Rios I have a feeling is going to catch Manny at least once and it ain't going to be pretty. If Manny is hungry for a 5th showdown with Jmm, he'll beat Rios. If not, if he can't hurt Rios at least to slow him down, I can see the younger, bigger, fresher Rios getting robbed taking it to Manny in the late rounds. Hope this turns into a Arguello-Mancini or Trinidad-Vargas type fight.
I see Rios by KO . Maybe as early as rd3. Pacs chin is not the same and never will be. Rios is bigger/stronger and will be the bigger puncher. Plus PAC is already walking on his heels
WTF is a tune up fight? These guys are pros. The amateurs is where you have tune up fights. This is a cherry pick plain and simple. Everyone knows why Rios was picked, he goes forward, goes forward and he'll keep going forward when he can't go forward anymore. If you want to see what happens when you keep going forward, watch the JMM KTFO6 again where Manny goes right into the tsunami punch. Manny doesn't have to set it up like JMM did. Rios will be there all night.
Any less than a stoppage should be Pac's queue to enter retirement. If he won't overwhelm a B class fighter in Rios, then no point in getting a JMM rematch or that most awaited FMJ showdown. He should decision Bradley again then just ride off in the sunset with back to back wins in his record.