Rios Eyes Maidana War, Brushes Off Gesta and Molina

By Luis Sandoval

Lightweight champion “Bam Bam” Brandon Rios has plenty of fighters calling him out for a fight should he be victorious in his second title defense against John Murray December 3rd at New York's Madison Square Garden.

Two fighters who you probably won’t see in the ring with him anytime soon are John Molina and undefeated Filipino lightweight Mercito Gesta. Rios was on The Boxing Lab and was asked for his thoughts about a possible fight with Molina who has said Brandon has been avoiding him.

“Fighting John Molina? Man, John Molina is not even in my league” responded Rios with a small chuckle. “I beat him in the amateurs. He don’t want none of me. So you know, I’m not even going to mention this guy because why am I going to give him the publicity of saying his name and trying to hype up a fight that’s never going to happen”.

Mercito Gesta and Rios have traded words through the media before and are both promoted by Top Rank. Rios believes Gesta is trying to prove something by taking on fighters he has already beaten and trying to beat them in better fashion. But Rios points out he’s fought better versions of those fighters and dismisses Gesta as easily as he did Molina.

“Gesta’s not going to take me to the next level. That’s just a winning record, that’s it. It’s not even a name for my resume. It’s just to put a win on my record” said Rios.

A fight Rios does want to make and most fight fans are salivating for is a showdown with the hard hitting Marcos Maidana. He wants the best of best and calls them out.

“I’m ready to take on the world. I’m ready for Gamboa. I’m ready for anybody. Marquez. I’m ready for Maidana. That’s the fight I’m really waiting for, Maidana” responded the Kansas native.

“I want a war. I’m still waiting on my war. I kept telling Robert [Garcia] everyday I’m ready for my war. I want a war like Castillo and Corrales. A fight like they did, I want something like that”

Whichever route Rios goes it looks like he’ll be taking on a big name in his next fight.

You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @truewest007. You can also tune in to BoxingScene’s official audio show The Boxing Lab every Tuesday from 6-8PM PST with hosts Ernest Gabion, Luis Sandoval, and Ryan Burton.