Pacquiáo Looking To Avoid 3rd Consecutive Loss With WBO International Welterweight Bout In China Tonight.
After losing the WBO Welterweight title to Timothy Bradley, as well as the eventful knockout from Juan Manuel Márquez last December; Manny Pacquiáo makes his official return to the ring after nearly a full year layoff. Tonight, boxing’s only 8-division titlist will be stepping into the ring against young fighter Brandon Rios. Rios lost his WBO Light Welterweight title to Mike Alvarado last March in Las Vegas, but he will be looking to acquire the WBO International Welterweight title tonight.
Be sure to tune in tonight, as this fight emanates live from the Venetian Macao in Macau, SAR. Watch Live On HBO PPV at 9:00pm ET / 6:00pm PT.
Check the jump for a special video preview along with the complete match card listings.
UPDATE: Manny Pacquiao defeats Brandon Ríos in unanimous decision for the WBO International welterweight title.
Pacquiáo has been rumored to have lost his passion for the sport of boxing, as his trainer Freddie Roach will most likely suggest retirement for Manny, following a possible third consecutive loss. Rios will be bringing his signature Orthodox styles to match, but we’re not sure if he’ll be accustomed to the higher weight class Manny has dominated.
Pacman (in the Southpaw style) should be able to pick apart Rios tonight if he’s too overly aggressive. We can’t pick a definitive winner tonight based on not knowing if Manny still has that serious passion. If Pacquiáo has a favorable victory, he could instantly be back in the top fighter discussions winning the WBO International Welterweight title. A loss tonight however could potentially mean the end of his career as we know it.
Main Card
Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios
Evgeny Gradovich vs. Billy Dib
Andy Ruiz vs. Tor Hamer | Heavyweights
Zou Shiming vs. Juan Toscano | Flyweights
Felix Verdejo vs. Petchsamuthr Duanaaymukdahan | Junior Lightweights
Preliminary Card
Harmonito Dela Torre vs. Jason Butar-Butar | Lightweights
Rex Tso vs. Susu Sithjadeang | Junior Bantamweights
Kouk Kun Ng vs. You-Jie Zeng | Junior Lightweights
Ik Yang vs. Hero Tito | Junior Middleweights
Liam Vaughan vs. Dan Nazereno Jr | Junior Middleweights
OS REWIND: Mike Tyson’s Thoughts On Manny Pacquiáo vs. Brandon Rios Fight
OS REWIND: HBO Fighters Face Off: Pacquiáo vs. Rios