If the weigh-in for Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios has half the excitement that one of the final pre-fight workouts had, the event should be part of the pay-per-view. On Wednesday morning Pacquiao's Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach got into an argument with Brandos Rios' trainer Robert Garcia.
Things escalated and Alex Ariza, Rios' current—and Pacquiao's former—strength and conditioning coach kicked Roach in the chest. The two sides were separated, but it was a mess that left Roach pondering an option to press charges against Ariza. The entire altercation and aftermath can be seen here.
(Caution, the video is filled with NSFW language)
Per an ESPN interview, Roach said he would not press charges because it would put the fight in jeopardy.
Wow, all this drama and the fighters have yet to step into the ring. On Friday, Pacquiao and Rios will step on the scales to officially weigh in for Saturday night's bout at the Cotai Arena in Macao, China. The fight is being fought at welterweight, which is a 147-pound limit. Here's how you can watch.
When: Friday 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: Macao, China
Live Stream: TopRank.com
From the looks of Pacquiao, weight probably won't be an issue. Physically, he's chiseled out of granite and looks like he's ready to deliver the pain. Quite obviously, boxing is about more than just brawn. There are valid concerns about Pacquiao's mental intangibles after suffering such a devastating KO loss at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez almost a year ago in Dec 2012.
His mental sturdiness on Saturday will be just as important as his physical toughness.
Rios is looking to be victorious in a fight almost no one gives him shot to win. His style is tailor-made for Pacquiao, but Marquez's counter right hand is proof that all it takes is one punch. Rios certainly packs the type of power that can change a night. He has 23 knockouts in his career.
One of the biggest questions heading into this fight is who's going to land the first significant punch? Once that happens, will the recipient have the chin to absorb the blow.
Though smart money will go on Pacquiao, it is still an intriguing bout. The fighter-related festivities begin on Friday. Come Saturday, all remaining matters will be resolved in the ring.
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