Zepeda's Trainer on The Fence Over Brandon Rios

By Salvador Rodriguez

Robert Alcazar, trainer of Jose Zepeda (19-0, 16KOs), says it would be "crazy" to accept a fight with former champion Brandon Rios on just three days notice. Zepeda's name has emerged as a frontrunner to replace Diego Chaves - if Chaves is unable to obtain a visa to face Rios this Saturday night at the Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Chaves was given until Wednesday to get his visa or Top Rank is planning to go forward with another option.

Zepeda is scheduled to appear on the undercard, but he doesn't have any idea who the opponent is yet. Alcazar mentions how Manny Pacquiao "had three months to prepare" for Rios and his fighter, provided Chaves falls out, would have three days to get ready.

"We will fight [Rios] but with proper preparation. I think it's stupid to risk a young prospect with someone of that quality. I have no doubt that [Zepeda] wins the first six or seven rounds easy, but I will not risk my prospect in a twelve round fight when he's never [been in a twelve round fight]. Zepeda has never even gone ten before," Alcazar said.

The situation will play out, one way or the other, on Wednesday.