Members of the boxing media have weighed in on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios bout in Macao, China on Saturday night. Most seem to believe Pacquiao will win, but there is a glimmer of concern because no one knows just how much the KO loss to Juan Manuel Marquez has affected him.
Though there is always some validity to the opinions of writers who have been following the sport for decades, there is nothing like listening to the words of the men who train for a living.
As one would expect, opinions on this fight aren't hard to find. Here's a breakdown of what three of the most respected members of boxing's trainer fraternity had to say about the fight. Interestingly enough, most of their sentiments are similar.
Nazeem Richardson, Trainer
Richardson is the well-respected and extraordinarily successful trainer of fighters like "Sugar" Shane Mosley, Bernard Hopkins and others. Elie Seckbach of ESNEWS caught up with Richardson and asked for his take on Pacquiao vs. Rios.
As you heard in the video, Richardson would not give a prediction because Pacquiao's condition is considered a variable. You'll also notice that is a common theme in all of the trainers' opinions featured. One interesting tidbit Richardson did mention was about Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach.
Richardson says Roach knows if Pacquiao is ready to go. Assuming we agree with that statement, should we assume Pacquiao will be at his best since the fight is actually taking place?
Not necessarily.
Roach has said he will advise Pacquiao to retire if he struggles against Rios. Why would that even be a thought if there were no concerns? Most would agree, if Pacquiao is his old self, "Rios is in trouble," as trainer and Floyd Mayweather Jr's uncle, Jeff Mayweather told Hustle Boss in the interview below.
Jeff Mayweather, Trainer
Mayweather also held off offering a clear prediction, but he did make it known that Pacquiao is the smart pick if he's in top form. It almost seems as if a Rios win wouldn't even bring him much respect. With so many already saying the only way he can win is if Pacquiao shows wear and tear from his previous loss, almost nothing Rios accomplishes will impress those in the boxing community.
Teddy Atlas, Trainer and Broadcaster
Atlas is the former trainer of Mike Tyson and he does great work for ESPN. He too makes the obligatory reference to Pacquiao's uncertain recovery. Atlas says he believes Pacquiao's people chose Rios for a reason. He's "one-dimensional, slow and you can't miss him."
It is hard to argue with that statement. Atlas believes, like almost everyone, if Pacquiao is in good shape mentally, he'll beat Rios easily. Clearly, Pacquiao has something to prove to the boxing community. It's not whether he can beat Rios. Most seem to know he's the superior fighter.
Pacquiao has to prove he's not damaged goods. The only way to do that is to take shots from Rios without folding. We'll see if Pac-Man still has what it takes to be elite.
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