By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com has received confirmation that former world champion Brandon Rios is no longer bound to a promotional agreement with Top Rank.
The contract was set to expire in December, but it appears that some form of a mutual agreement was reached to allow Rios to break away earlier.
Rios has been out of the ring since November 7th, when he suffered the first knockout defeat of his career when Tim Bradley put him away with a bodyshot in the ninth round of their HBO televised headliner from the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
After the loss to Bradley, Rios announced his retirement at the post fight press conference. After a few days, Rios (33-3-1, 24 KO's) changed his mind and elected to continue his career.
At 30 years old, Rios is looking for a fresh start on several fronts. He parted ways with longtime trainer Robert Garcia and is now working with Ricky Funez at the Ten Goose Gym in Van Nuys, California. He also parted way with longtime manager Cameron Dunkin, and now he might be heading to a new promoter.
Rios' lawyer, Guadalupe Valencia, would not discuss the circumstances which led to the boxer's early exit from Top Rank - but he says Rios is very motivated to get back in the ring.
"Brandon Rios no longer has a promotional contract with Top Rank," Valencia told BoxingScene.com. "I think Brandon is really motivated and will be a champion at 147. We will soon meet and discuss different possible options that may be out in the boxing world for Brandon. I am hopeful that we will soon reach a fight deal for him. We will start to explore his options. Brandon brings excitement to boxing. I think his return depends on his trainer, Ricky Funez, and our ability to find the right fight."
