What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? You get the rubber match between Brandon Rios and Mike Alvarado. These two may seem like the best of buds outside the ring, sharing high-fives and smiles galore. But pit them against each other with gloves on, and it becomes an all-out war.
Are you a fight fan looking to make a quick buck on some of the most exciting bouts? Read on as we give you everything you’ll need to know heading into this blockbuster boxing main event. Meanwhile, you can also check out our lines for UFC Fight Night 59.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Brandon Rios vs. Mike Alvarado III Preview
Where: 1stBank Center, Colorado
When: Saturday, January 24, 5:00 PM ET
Line: Brandon Rios vs. Mike Alvarado – view all Boxing lines
Betting on Brandon Rios
It’s been a rough ride for Brandon Rios in the past year. He lost back-to-back fights against Mike Alvarado and Manny Pacquiao before taking a disqualification win against Diego Gabriel Chaves. If Chaves hadn’t committed too many fouls, then Rios may now be on a three-fight slide.
[sc:Other240banner ]Much like he has for his whole career, Rios continues to push on with a gritty in-your-face style that can sap the will out of all but the best fighters. He also has an iron chin that can keep him in fights even when hit by the strongest punches.
Relying on his toughness too much has led to sketchy defense. Rios has been out-landed 862-680 over his last four bouts. That’s almost a -200 differential.
Nevertheless, Rios can still turn the tide with his vaunted pressure style, as he did against Alvarado in the first match between the two. After Alvarado’s strongest rounds (the fourth and the fifth), Rios turned the pressure up leading to a technical knockout win in the seventh. Of his 32 career wins, he has won 71.9 percent by knockout or technical knockout. If Rios can’t be put away early, then he may be able to rally for a late stoppage win.
Betting on Mike Alvarado
Like his opponent, Mike Alvarado is on a downspin. He is 1-3 in his last four fights. He was battered into submission by Ruslam Provodnikov, lost a unanimous decision against Juan Manuel Marquez and split two fights against Rios.
Alvarado, much like Rios, is an in-your-face boxer who loves to stand and trade in the pocket. He has the speed and volume punching that can give his opponents problems. In his last four fights, Alvarado has attempted 2,712 total punches.
For Alvarado to gain some success against the slow-moving Rios, he’ll need to stick and move like in their second fight. He seems capable to do so as he edged Rios 261-241 in total punches landed en route to a 12-round unanimous decision win in that fight. The key here will be to establish a long jab to keep Rios at bay. Over their 19 total rounds against each other, Alvarado has landed 51 more jabs than Rios.
If Alvarado times his punches perfectly, then he also stands a chance to floor Rios with a well-timed counter. He showcased this kind of power in his last fight when he knocked down Marquez, an very solid defensive boxer, in the ninth round. In contrast to Marquez, Rios is like a punching bag that hits back so expect Alvarado to land some thudding counters several times throughout this fight.
Alvarado has gone 7-1 in fights held in Colorado.
Writer’s Prediction
Rios cuts off the ring and batters Alvarado en route to a TKO win. Stand a chance to score a knockout of your own and earn a big payday. Create a betting account now and get your picks in before the fisticuffs begin.
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