There is no truer test of heart then putting two men in a closed space, with the only thing protecting their manhood, is their own two fists. For boxers, it’s the way of life, no gimmicks just fisticuffs. Regardless of records, previous performances or personal issues, they all believe in the skills they sweat and bleed for, no fear, no turning back. Boxers are truly a rare breed.
Mike Alvarado will have his hometown fans chanting “303-303-303” as he makes his way to the ring on January 24th. With HBO cameras rolling, Mike should feel right at home. In front of him will be a familiar foe, Brandon Rios, having shared the ring with him twice already. With many questions surrounding Alvarado, the outcome will dictate the path the rest of his career takes.
In his last outing, Alvarado was competitive in losing a decision to future hall of famer, Juan Manuel Marquez. Although he dropped Marquez in the tenth round, it was a clear cut loss. Pair that with his previous loss to Provodnikov and Alvarado could fall from grace with a third straight loss.
All eyes will be on Alvarado as he enters the ring for a third time with Brandon Rios. Alvarado will step through the ropes amidst legal troubles and public agony. His recent arrest went national, with every boxing media outlet reporting on it. If Alvarado needed any more motivation, he now has it, it’s no longer about pride, his career may be on the line as well.
Brandon Rios is no stranger to controversy. Many people will never forgive him for mocking Freddie Roach and his Parkinson’s disease. But there is no questioning Rios’ ability to promote a fight. He’s a promoters dream, he speaks before he thinks, usually dropping a few f bombs along the way. Yet most importantly, he fights with no remorse for his body or soul.
Since his debut, Rios has been a come forward brawler. Fans have always admired his workman like approach when he steps into the ring. Rios will never be confused with a highly skilled boxer or stylist; He relies on pure aggression, determination and grit. His ability to grind foes down with a intense body attack has taken him to the championship level.
Mike Alvarado and Brandon Rios are two of the most action packed fighters of their generation. Their come forward, take one to give one style has left millions of fans gasping for breath over the years.
As Mike Alvarado and Brandon Rios prepare to battle for a third time, they do so out of respect and admiration for each other. There are no harsh words or feelings towards each other, just mad love for the determination they both bring to the ring. They understand, they need each other and will forever be tied to one another in the history of boxing.
One fighter will leave the ring with a win and look forward down the road, for a bigger fight. The loser leaves the ring with the ever pressing question of hanging up the gloves, for good. You ask, why would a fighter with 3-4 losses think about hanging up the gloves? Simple, blood and gut fighters have a short shelf life, their decline in skills and ability to compete at the highest level, usually happens over night.
Alvarado and Rios signed up for this long ago, gladiator and warrior blood runs through their respective veins. Win or lose, they’ll both walk out the ring to the applause of fans and the admiration of critics. A round of applause before the firework show begins for these two modern day gladiators who will walk through fire on Saturday night for our entertainment and guilty pleasure, while leaving a piece of their souls behind in the ring.
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