MACAU—Brandon Rios boasted Wednesday night he’s in the best shape of his life, ready to rumble and raring to prove boxing experts wrong.
“I’m a monster when I go on the ring,” Rios said during the press conference drumming up the “Clash in Cotai” on Sunday at The Venetian Macao.
Irritated by the continued reference to him as tuneup fighter, sparring partner and punching bag, Rios said he’ll be a “big problem” for Pacquiao instead.
The former WBO lightweight champion said the last training camp made him a better fighter. Disciplined and dedicated.
Rios, who promised to retire Pacquiao with a dominant performance here, swears he was whipped into murderous form by five months of preparation under 2012 Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia.
The 27-year-old Rios, toting a record of 31 wins, including 22 knockouts, with one loss and one draw, promises to wear down Pacquiao, who’s turning 35 on Dec. 17.
Taller than Pacquiao by 2½ inches at 5-foot-9, Rios insists he’s physically stronger and will take the fight to the eight-division world champion.