As the seconds tick down until the blockbuster rubber match between Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios (32-2-1, 23 KOs) and “Mile High” Mike Alvarado (34-3, 23 KOs), the importance of this fascinating contest becomes even more apparent. Both men have seemingly struggled to maintain their position at the upper echelons of the Welterweight Division, leaving many to ponder, is Saturday night’s showdown a make or break fight for the familiar foes?
When Rios and Alvarado first met back in 2012, they had the boxing world at their feet. A huge sense of expectation followed each man, as the pair boasted a very impressive, unblemished record.
Yet, three years on from their first tussle, the two combatants are a far cry from the confident sluggers who walked into the ring that October night, where Rios toook the spoils in a captivating battle.
Since then, Alvarado gained his revenge in the rematch a mere five months later, but the 34 year old has found himself on the end of a devastating two fight losing streak. This has seen him slip further down the welterweight ladder, making Saturday night’s bout more important than ever for the Denver fighter.
Rios has also found the going extremely tough since he was defeated in the rematch against Alvarado back in March 2013. ‘Bam Bam’ must have thought he hit the jackpot when he signed to fight Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao in Macao.
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Despite his good intentions, the 28 year old found himself on the end of a boxing master class from Pacquiao, and after a disappointing disqualification victory against Diego Chaves last time out, failure this weekend is just simply not an option.
So this slugfest is without doubt a make or break fight for either fighter, which has left them desperate for a win, so they can attempt to hang on to their position at the summit of the Welterweight division, because at the minute, each fighter is currently in free fall.
Undeniably, the two previous wars have most definitely left a considerable dint in the pair’s once impregnable armour; therefore, their best days are unfortunately behind them now.
Nevertheless, the winner this weekend will be the victor of an epic trilogy, which has played such a significant part in both men’s respective careers. However, where does the loser go from a defeat on Saturday? It does not bare thinking about, proving that this weekend’s bout is a lot more than just a trilogy needing settled, but both men’s careers hang in the balance.
