In almost every other sport, teams or athletes have time to respond after getting knocked to the ground one too many times. There are always more innings, quarters, sets, etc.
Boxers don't get that luxury. If they're on the wrong side of the referee's 10-count, then that's all she wrote. There isn't a chance for the fourth-quarter comeback.
That's what makes boxing so unpredictable.
Pacquiao is the odds-on favorite, but he wouldn't be the first big-name fighter to be felled by one punch.
Looking at the various outcomes for this bout, here are the best-case and worst-case scenarios for both fighters.
Manny Pacquiao
Best-Case Scenario
It's hard for Pacquiao's stock to elevate too much after a win over Rios. He's the heavy favorite, so a comfortable win, whether it comes by knockout or decision, is the minimum expectation.
Pac-Man is in about the same situation Floyd Mayweather was in when he fought Robert Guerrero. That win simply served to remind everyone that Money wasn't rusty after spending a year out of the ring. It was merely the prelude for Mayweather's huge bout with Canelo Alvarez.
Pacquiao has his fair share of question marks heading into this fight. He at least needs to show that the loss to Juan Manuel Marquez was only a fluke and that he remains one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
By making quick work of Rios, Pacquiao can earn another big-money fight against a top opponent in the coming months. Maybe a superfight with Mayweather could be on the cards.
Worst-Case Scenario
Pacquiao is outclassed by Rios. His perceived career decline is made all the more real after he's knocked out for the second time in as many fights or loses a decision by a wide margin.
Then one of two things happens.
The first is that Pac-Man announces his retirement from the sport. He's made a ton of money and can live comfortably for the rest of his life if he walks away. He doesn't want to push his career too far and end up a punch-drunk mess like so many fighters before him.
The other is that Pacquiao continues his career, but his star continues to fade. The chances of a superfight with Mayweather dwindle, and he has to settle for fights against minor stars rather than the best in the division.
Brandon Rios
Best-Case Scenario
Rios scores a knockout on Pacquiao and becomes a household name overnight. Winning this fight, especially with one punch, will do wonders for his career.
He immediately gets mentioned in possible fights with some of the best in the world. That will carry a big payday and chances for even more exposure.
This is a good time to beat Pacquiao. Some are wondering if Pac-Man's talent is dwindling, but he's yet to reach the Mike Tyson level and lose to a slew of mid-card guys. A win over Pacquiao carries quite a bit of significance.
Worst-Case Scenario
Even a worst-case scenario isn't all that bad for Rios. If he gets knocked out in the first round with one punch, he'll be the butt of some jokes and criticized by boxing fans. But that will eventually pass, and Rios will go back to being a solid fighter further down the pecking order.
Nobody's really expecting him to win this fight, so people won't hold it against him too much if he loses.
There's no shame in losing to a better fighter. Rios' stock isn't going to be hurt too much should Pac-Man be the victor Saturday.
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