Bob Arum: In a Year or Two, I'd Make Pacquiao vs. Rios

By Chris LaBate

Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum is very impressed with the fighting ability of Brandon Rios (28-0-1, 21 KOs). On Saturday night Rios battered Urbano Antillon to get a stoppage win in three rounds at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

If Rios continues to climb in the ranks with impressive knockout victories, Arum would consider matching him with Top Rank's star fighter, WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao. The fight is at least a year or two away, and Rios would have to make a name for himself at junior welterweight, and then face Pacquiao above the limit of 140-pounds.

“In a year or two, I would put him in with Manny Pacquiao,” Arum said. “I think he’s a guy that can match Manny’s speed and power. He has the heart. He has the strength. I think it would be very competitive.”