By Jake Donovan

Tim Bradley is not only the consummate gym rat, but is also keenly aware of what his opponents have to say.

The two-time welterweight titlist – and former 140 lb. champ – is hard at work for his November 7 showdown with Brandon Rios, with their bout to air live on HBO from Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rios and his team held court at an open media workout on Tuesday, making no bones about the means in which he plans to beat Bradley.

“The way to beat Bradley is to put on pressure in the fight and try to knock him out,” noted Robert Garcia, Rios’ trainer on Tuesday. “We plan to cut off the ring and turn this into a real fight.”

From there Rios insists he can handle the rest and march off with the biggest win of his career.

“I want to get back on top in boxing,” Rios vowed. “Bradley is in my way.”

The defending champion intends to remain in his way.

“I don't care what Rios is doing in his camp,” Bradley insisted during his own open workout session Wednesday afternoon in Indio, California. “I am only concerned about what I am going to do on fight night. I am absolutely, totally focused. I am not the same fighter I was before.

“Rios can bring on the pressure all night long and we will deal with it. We are prepared for intense pressure.  The only chance Rios has is a lucky punch and that's not going to happen.”

Bradley (32-1-1, 12KOs) makes the first defense of his second tour as a welterweight titlist which he claimed in a 12-round win over Jessie Vargas in June. The fight also marking his first camp with newly hired trainer Teddy Atlas. Some questioned the move, especially considering how successful Bradley was under the guidance of Joel Diaz, but the always in-shape boxer insists it’s a perfect fit with the two already gelling in training camp.

“When Teddy came to camp he took a book of images of certain rounds I had fought previously,” Bradley revealed. “There were notes about what I did right and what I did wrong. No trainer of mine has ever prepared for a fight like Teddy has for me against Rios.

“Teddy Atlas brought in two sparring partners who have put pressure on me every single second for the last three weeks. Rios is living on a prayer and he knows it.”

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox