By Ryan Burton

Top junior welterweight contender Mike Alvarado (33-0) is a little over a week a way from the biggest fight of his career. He has gained exposure recently by fighting on two of Manny Pacquiao's recent pay-per-view undercards. On a recent edition of BoxingScene's official audio show The Boxing Lab,  Alvarado told us that he feels those fights plus his most recent fight versus Mauricio Herrera have given him the experience he needs when he faces Brandon Rios next Saturday.

"I feel like these last few fights have helped my boxing and give me more experience.  I have the experience that I need. Its going to be my night," Alvarado stated.

The Colorado native understands that most of the fans in attendance will be pro Rios fans. The fight takes place in Carson, Calif., a short driver from Rios' home base of Oxnard but Alvarado isn't worried. He said that he will stay focused on th task at hand. 

"I've never been overwhelmed by a big stage or the atmosphere. I never felt the pressure by the big stage. I always stay focused on my opponent," Alvarado told The Boxing Lab.

I recently spoke to Alvarado's trainer Shann Vilhauer who said that Mike's boxing ability is underrated and that it will play a key factor in the fight against Rios. I relayed Vilhauer's thoughts to Alvarado who agreed with his trainer but also said that he enjoys slugging it out inside of the ring.

"It can be (a key factor). My boxing skills are underrated but I like fighting though. I don't like a tag you're it fight. You try to touch me I try to touch you. It's boring. If it's a close fight I don't like to chance it. I like to hit you, pressure you, and accelerate your heart and go for it," Alvarado revealed.

While Alvarado doesn't think the fight will go the distance he will be prepared to fight till the final bell. He said that his strength and conditioning work have been stellar and that it will show should the fight go to the final rounds.

"I always prepare for 15 rounds. I like to be fresh even in that last round. I always have my strength and conditioning on point. I will be ready for however many rounds it lasts on October 13th," Alvarado stated.

You can listen to the interview in its entirety by clicking here: http://tobtr.com/s/3710483

Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com Follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter and tune in to The Boxing Lab, BoxingScene's official audio on Tuesdays. The show is hosted by Ernie Gabion, Luis Sandoval and Ryan Burton