Who wants to see Brandon Rios vs. Mike Alvarado III? That’s what’s on the horizon now, after Mike Alvarado got sweet revenge against Brandon Rios on Saturday night in Las Vegas, in their HBO televised rematch of last year’s slug-fest, which Rios had won by knockout.
Alvarado took home a close, hard-fought unanimous decision, winning by scores of 115-113, 115-113 and 114-113.
Rios vs. Alvarado II Photos & Video
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- Credit: Chris Farina – Top Rank
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- Credit: Chris Farina – Top Rank
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- Credit: Chris Farina – Top Rank
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- Credit: Chris Farina – Top Rank
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- Credit: Chris Farina – Top Rank
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- Credit: Chris Farina – Top Rank
The rematch between these two men was much like their first fight. There were great, extended periods of intense, hard-hitting, back-and-forth action, with each man giving and receiving his share of punishment.
Rios started out the fight effectively and seemed to hurt Alvarado in the early-going, but soon Alvarado turned the tables and assumed control of the fight.
The match continued to ebb and flow, but Alvarado was able to get in a rhythm where he would use his superior size and strength, combined with a bit of boxing and moving, to keep Rios from simply bulldozing his way inside. It would be enough to continue winning rounds and ultimately seize the victory.
Alvarado was a heavy underdog in the bout, and few thought he’d pull out a win, let alone a decision. But he got the job done.
With the win, Alvarado avenges the sole defeat of his career thus far, and improves his record to 34-1, with 23 KOs. For Rios, it was the first loss of his career — so each man will hold that mark over the other — and he falls to 31-1-1,with 23 KOs.
Stay tuned for more news and updates in the aftermath of the thrilling and surprising Rios vs. Alvarado II results.
