Brandon Rios vs. Mike Alvarado staff predictions

Brandon Rios vs. Mike Alvarado staff predictions

Jose Quintero, US Editor – Rios by stoppage
It’s easy to say Rios will win because of the distractions that surround Alvarado. But I really feel Rios has some weight on his shoulders as he looks to score his first clean victory in over two years. Rios needs this victory, I think he will land the better flurries that will cut Alvarado early in the fight. I expect to see a couple knockdowns and I feel the referee will finally see enough of an onslaught by the ninth round. I’ve got to go with Rios in this one.

Oun Abbas Hussain, UK Editor – Rios by SD
Tough fight to call as it is last chance saloon for both men to resurrect their careers. Both men will drop the other while I expect it to be a slugfest. I just think Rios will win more rounds, with the intention to box but eventually it turning into the brawl.

Anthony Rivera, staff writer/social media coordinator – Alvarado split decision
Fight fans are in for a treat this Saturday when Mike Alvarado takes on Brandon Rios. Alvarado and Rios both have this ‘never say die’ attitude making this fight very hard to predict. They fight with a warriors mentality. For Alvarado to succeed, he needs to keep his distance and hit Rios with his jabs and hooks. Rios success comes from his inside game where he will punish you with his uppercuts. One of the questions going into this fight is will Alvarado’s recent arrest play a factor especially mentally for him. If not I think it will be all systems go for a great fight. Both fighters know they are at a crossroads in their respective careers. A win will elevate one of these boxers while a loss could possibly end their career. Considering all these factors, I predict that Mike Alvarado will win in 12 via split decision. Not only did Alvarado win the 2nd bout but he was well on his way to winning the first one before Rios stunned him. I also think that Alvarado fighting in front of his home crowd will give him the boost he needs to get the job done. Mike Alvarado will win and put the exclamation point on a great trilogy of fights.

Stevie Adams, staff writer – Rios by stoppage
I’m picking Rios to wear down and stop Alvarado before ten rounds are completed. Alvarado has looked sluggish and under par in his last two outings, and the pounding he took from Provodnikov is the sort of beating that stays with you. Rios hasn’t looked great in recent times either, but I think he is the fresher of the two and he genuinely loves a war.

Rick Guerrero, staff writer – Rios by decision
Alvarado’s life outside of the ring has been well chronicled. When you’re being detained at 4 AM three weeks before the fight it cast doubt on your commitment to your craft. It’s no secret, Alvarado should be able to control the fight if he boxes more and brawls less but that’s a big if. It would be nice to see Alvarado redeem himself in front of his hometown after the Provodnikov debacle; but Rios appears to be a bit more focused for this one. Alvarado will control the early rounds by boxing but likely fade down the stretch, Rios by decision.

David Lopez, staff writer – Rios TKO
I’m going with Rios in this one. I think Alvarado is distracted and is coming off two tough, brutal fights against Provodnikov and Marquez. I expect Alvarado to go out on his shield in the middle rounds 6-8. It will be fun while it lasts. TKO by Rios.