ESPN Sports Nation Chat: Brandon Rios

Buzzmaster

Brandon is here!

James (Portland, ME)

How does it feel to headline your first big boxing event like this?

Brandon Rios

First of all, it feels great. I want to thank Top Rank and my managers for making it possible. I feel great. I’m ready. It’s amazing. A dream come true. Amazing.

Brandon Rios

I feel like it’s my time now. It’s my time to shine.

Hugo BARRANTES (miami)

Will you try for an early Ko or wait and see ???

Brandon Rios

We have 12 rounds to play with. Whatever happens, happens. I’m not going out there to give him an easy fight. I’m going out there to win. We’re going to go do our jobs and work the gameplan.

Jack bognar (Phoenix)

How do you think pacquiao’s chin will hold up after the marquez ko against a heavy hitter like yourself?

Brandon Rios

We’re going to see how he does. I’m going to come and test that chin. I have to test it. We will see how he handles it. We don’t know yet. All I know is my style is that of a hitter. I can hit. We’ll see how he handles that pressure.

Sam (Bay Area, CA)

Are you sticking with Everlast gloves or are you gonna try something new this time around?

Brandon Rios

Oh no. Everlast has been great for me. I like the material. I’m sticking with them. They’re the one for me.

james idrogo (phoneix , AZ)

what is one of your favorite boxing exercise when preparing for a fight.

Brandon Rios

I love to do everything. When I first start out, I love to spar. It gets you in shape faster. I love the sparring. The speed bag. I love everything. Whatever is required, and they tell me to do, I do it. I don’t complain about it.

Albert (Denver Colorado)

Did you ever see yourself where you’re at now? Or did you have other careers in mind?

Brandon Rios

Oh yeah. I followed my dreams. Me and my pop. I stick to my dreams and follow it. And now it’s a reality. It’s freaking awesome. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s very emotional for me right now. I’m very happy about how my career has gone and how I keep following my dreams. I keep conquering my goals. This is one of my goals and I’m very happy to see myself here.

Adrian (Chicago, IL)

Do you feel like you are physically stronger than Pacquiao? How was Alex Ariza helped you in that aspect of your training?

Brandon Rios

I know I’m going to be mentally and physicall strong, no matter what. I’m always ready to fight. I always have an advantage. It’s just another opponent. I’m ready. I think I probably will be the more physically and stronger guy in the ring. I think I weigh more than him right now.

Sean (PA)

What will your gameplan be against the 8 division champ?

Brandon Rios

Keep composure. Follow the gameplan and the instructions of my corner. The first 5-6 rounds might be the most difficult. After that, I will put more pressure on him.

omar (san jose ca)

How do you feel fighting outside the u.s.

Brandon Rios

I think it’s great. Honestly, I don’t care where it’s at. I just want to fight. I feel great. I get to fight one of the best in the world. But I don’t care where we fight. As long as Manny Pacquiao shows up and I show up, nothing else matters.

Jack Bognar (Phoenix)

How has the help of Ariza in your camp benefited you?

Brandon Rios

He has done great work. I think I feel even stronger. He has made me stronger. He’s done incredible work. He’s done a great job. It’s awesome. He knows what he does. He’s a man on a mission to prove he’s one of the best trainers out there. Everyone will find out Nov. 9 when Mikey Garcia wins and then on Nov. 23 when I win. Thanks to him, he’s made us strong physically.

Lenny (Los Angeles)

Being at 147, do you have any concerns about making weight?

Brandon Rios

Making weight will be easy this time. I only have a few pounds to shed. I don’t have to worry about making the weight. It’s no problem.

Scott (Raleigh)

Brandon, good luck in the fight. After you beat Pacquiao, might there be another Alvarado fight? 1-1….do the trilogy man!

Brandon Rios

You know what? I’m not looking past any opponent. I don’t look past other fighters. Manny Pacquiao is on my mind. Maybe there will be a third fight. But it’s Pacquiao only right now.

Gera (Los Angeles)

What’s your mindset or do you have any special routines on fight night?

Brandon Rios

I always have my milkshake. That’s one thing I always have, strawberry. I like to joke around, have fun. Just have me be me. I don’t take anything too seriously until I walk into the ring. Then it’s fight mode.

Adrian (Chicago, IL)

When will you be in China and how is your training regimen heading into the last couple weeks before fight night?

Brandon Rios

We’re going to be traveling on Monday. There won’t be anything different. We’ll be over there for two weeks. I think that’s perfect. We’ll get used to the morning workout. It will be plenty of time. We’ll be ready. I’ve already been to China, and it’s cool out there.

Joell (Harrisburg, PA)

What final preparations will you go through as you get ready for your headlining of a PPV boxing event November 23 which is well deserved

Brandon Rios

The last preparation is to just keep doing what I am doing. Keep focused. Keep training. Lose the last few pounds. Keep with the rhythm. Nothing but hard work. This is the longest training camp I’ve ever had.

Brandon Rios

Everybody that’s followed me and supported me. Thank you guys. Thanks for being there. Everyone that doubts me, the haters, critics, I’m going to prove you wrong and shut you up.