By Edward Chaykovsky
Former world champion Brandon Rios (33-3-1, 24KOs), 29-years-old, has promised to train correctly and bring his best in future fights.
Rios has lost three of his last five bouts. Last December he suffered his first knockout defeat to WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley. Rios failed to make weight and had to dig deep to make the division limit. Once he entered the ring, he looked out of shape and had little in the tank.
Bradley targeted his soft midsection and eventually broke Rios down for a knockout in the ninth.
After the fight was over, Rios admitted that he didn't properly for the fight because he spent much of his camp cutting down the excess weight. Rios also announced his retirement at the post fight press conference.
It wasn't long before his manager, Cameron Dunkin, revealed to BoxingScene.com that Rios had a change of heart and planned to fight again.
Although Rios lost a twelve round decision to Mike Alvarado in their rematch, he still earned a shot at Manny Pacquiao later that year. Pacquiao dominated him over twelve rounds. Rios then fought Diego Chaves the following year in a very dirty fight that saw Chaves [who was up on the cards] get disqualified. That led to a trilogy with Alvarado a year ago, where Rios easily won with a three round destruction. Several opportunities fell through before the Bradley fight came together in November.
Rios to the social networks on Friday night to announce his commitment to properly training and working hard.
"After I had time to think about it, I want to end my love for this sport in boxing the way I started, fighting strong and with everything I had. I didn’t train right last time & was not able to bring my best, letting myself & my fans down. Now I’m back at the gym getting in shape, before I even do training camp, with a renewed passion for my sport & fans. Strong basics and some new twists to up my game and when it’s time to end on my terms of hard work and victorious. ?#teamrios"
