MANILA—Another probable challenger for pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao has emerged in World Boxing Association lightweight champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios.
His bravado soaring after a third round stoppage of Urbano Antillon in their 135-pound title duel in Carson, California, Saturday night, Rios intends to climb in weight with the eventual goal of battling Pacquiao, the lone eight-division world champion.
It was revered promoter Bob Arum who told Rios that a megabuck fight with Pacquiao is feasible.
“In a year or two, I would put him in with Manny Pacquiao,” Arum, who promotes both fighters, told Associated Press during the post-fight conference of Rios-Antillon. “I think he’s a guy that can match Manny’s speed and power. He has the heart. He has the strength. I think it would be very competitive.”
Before even thinking of Pacquiao, however, the 25-year-old Rios, who boasts a clean 28-0-1 slate with 21 knockouts, must first prove his mettle against the 140-pound stars like Amir Khan, Marcos Maidana, Robert Guerrero and Zab Judah.
If he does, Rios can start dreaming.
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