Rios Expects To Be Stronger, Around 150 For Pacquiao

By Edward Chaykovsky

Brandon Rios (31-1-1, 23KOs) expects to have most of the physical advantages when he steps in the ring with eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38KOs) on November 23rd in Macau, China. Rios is moving to to 147-pounds to take the fight, a quick move after recently jumping to junior welterweight two fights ago. But Pacquiao is a small welterweight and rarely weighs in at the fulll welterweight limit.

"Definitely I think that’s gonna be one of the big things too because I am way bigger than Pacquiao and yes I’m gonna be comfortable fighting at 147 lbs I know I was supposed to fight at 140 but the last 2-3 pounds is not gonna kill me, it won’t be a factor, so 147 is gonna be a great opportunity for me, I’m gonna feel very strong at 147 lbs. My walking around weight is at 155 so it’s not gonna be hard to make 147. I’m probably about 159-160 right now," Rios told On The Ropes Boxing Radio.

Although Rios is going up to 147, he doesn'te expect to be too much bigger on the night of the fight. He says a weight of 150 will likely be the most he packs on before he enters the ring.

"Honestly I don’t really know to tell you the truth, probably around 150 lbs, every time the next day I never go higher than 150 lbs but I know I’m just gonna be an animal when it’s time to fight. I’m always confident but after the next day I think I’m gonna feel even better because I usually make 140 lbs but I have to suck up too much. I don’t have to kill myself so the next day I’m gonna be even stronger. I’m gonna be really, really strong," Rios said.