Roach Says Rios is on Pacquiao's List, Not Tim Bradley

Nov 14, 2012 • 11:05 AM ET

By Miguel Rivera

According to trainer Freddie Roach, tough junior welterweight contender Brandon Rios (31-0-1, 23KOs) is the next opponent on the list - if Manny defeats Juan Manuel Marquez when the clash for a fourth time on December 8th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum would like to stage this match on April 21st.

"We have to win this fight first fight, but Brandon Rios is next on the list," said Roach. "Manny was being a little compassionate [in his recent fights] and he was getting a little soft. We have bring back the old Manny. If we come forward we'll probably win [against Marquez]."

Roach did say that Pacquiao has no interest in fighting Timothy Bradley (29-0, 12KOs) for a second time. Bradley won a controversial split decision over Pacquiao on June 9.

"I don't think that we need to do that because everyone knows we won that fight and so we don't have to fight him. We don't even count that as a loss," Roach said.

Miguel Rivera Profile

See all interviews

Roach Says Rios is on Pacquiao's List, Not Tim Bradley

ByMiguel Rivera

Nov 14, 2012 • 11:05 AM ET

By Miguel Rivera

Roach did say that Pacquiao has no interest in fighting Timothy Bradley (29-0, 12KOs) for a second time. Bradley won a controversial split decision over Pacquiao on June 9.

"I don't think that we need to do that because everyone knows we won that fight and so we don't have to fight him. We don't even count that as a loss," Roach said.