First Blood: Farenas battles Rios tonight

Michael Farenas hopes to make his battle against Mexican Jesus Rios tonight as a springboard for another crack at a world title.

Foiled twice in his bid to become a world champion, Farenas needs an impressive win over Rios in the headliner of First Blood: Philippines versus Mexico at Solaire Resort and Casino to regain his status as a leading super featherweight challenger.

Both Fareñas (34-4-4, 28 KOs) and Rios (26-4-1, 20 KOs) checked in at an exact 130 pounds during the weigh-in yesterday.

First Blood is the inaugural offering of MAG Pacman Boxing International Promotions spearheaded by boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, former two-time world champion Gerry Peñalosa and businessman Anson Tiu-Co. It is backed by Tobi, Boysen, CherrylumE, Siscor Mechanical Fabricators and Cooyeesan Hotel Plaza.

Rising star Dodie Boy Peñalosa hopes to extend his perfect record (11-0-0, 11 KOs) against Alem Robles (6-3-2, 2 KOs) in the chief support.  Roy Luarca