You'd think Brandon Rios would be the fighter with the most to prove Saturday in Macau, China. After all, it's the young slugger's first pay-per-view main event, his first time under the bright lights. Despite 33 career fights, this will be his debut on the world stage.
His opponent?
He's been headlining title fights for years, compiling a 16-3-2 record with a belt on the line, and has beaten some of the best fighters of his era, including Oscar De La Hoya, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez. Along the way, he's become one of boxing's most iconic stars and a hero to his countrymen in the Philippines.
And yet, despite his legacy and Hall of Fame career, it's Manny Pacquiao facing all the tough questions going into the fight. The lasting image of the legend, one imprinted on the brains of boxing fans all over the world, is Pacquiao face down in the ring, courtesy of a Marquez right in the sixth round.
Can Pacquiao find his way back to greatness after the most memorable setback of his career?
That's the question that will drive fans desperate for an answer toward this fight. Rios is a brawler, one seemingly made for Pacquiao to dispatch with relative ease, there to help Manny make a statement and score a highlight-reel-worthy knockout. It's a result his battered countrymen, at least, would be all too happy to see.
Will Manny get back on track? Who do oddsmakers favor? Who will win? Where to watch?
All those questions, and more, will be answered in the pages that follow. Disagree with my fight pick? Let me know in the comments.
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