Lamont is MUCH better than Anthony, so its definitely gonna be a tough fight for Rios. However, IF Brandon carries 140 well...... I think he'll grind Lamont down.
I'd be impressed if Rios could stop Peterson. But I think the more likely outcome is that Rios wins a decision.
Rios loses 10 rounds. I cannot believe how much people hype this no defense face first Margarito-lite.
I hope you're right. I just think Rios' work-rate and steady pressure will win him rounds, much like it did for Bradley. But you make a good point which is that Rios isn't very good defensively. I think he's a little better than you're giving him credit for - there's a lot to be said for the defensive benefits of keeping your punches very short and your chin tightly tucked, as Rios does. But he'll be a lot less slippery than Bradley was for sure, which means on the inside, when he's throwing his upper-cuts and short left hooks, he will be open for Peterson's body assault. And if Peterson has success, such that Rios can't linger on the inside the way he likes to, then his whole game is thrown off. And if that happens, it's not unlikely for Peterson to get the better of it.
You're right, he's better than I give him credit for. He's just never been tested. I want to see him in a fight that he could possibly lose, and we have not seen that yet.
I was never impressed with Rios. He's wide open for shots and basically just comes forward like Margarito. His career will be short IMO. He is exciting to watch I will give him that.
Rios will be too strong and his body work will be too effective. I think Lamont matches up with some opponents better than Anthony and vice versa, but I don't think he matches up better with Rios. Rios KO late.
Rios probably should beat him. I don't know how much a role the weight played in matters, but Rios didn't look all that good at all vs Murray, who is a limited 135lbr.
On paper, Antillon and Acosta were somewhat decent challenges, considering the effort Antillon had given Soto. I don't know wtf he didn't fight Soto though - that was a bitch move and probably TR's decision.
They were decent wins for sure, I don't think anyone was predicting either of them would beat Rios. It's strange, I usually like guys with a style like Rios, he's fan friendly and aggressive, I think I just hate his personality so much that I just can't like the guy.
I can understand the Rios hate, he's not the most likeable chap, and especially given his association with Plasterito I was rooting for Murray to beat him, and I'll root for Peterdude too. But Peterdude won't win. Rios is much better than some of you seem to think. Very solid pressure fighter, strong as fuck, good stamina, tough, nice crisp, short punches, good inside and OK at mid range too. He'll give Peterdude a beating. If Peterdude tries his pseudo pressure fighter impression as against Khan he'll get hammered. His best bet is to outslick Rios, but I don't think he's good enough. Rios by late stoppage after steadily grinding Peterdude down. Although Bradley is overall a better fighter than Rios and would beat him, Rios has better offense, and Bradley dominated Lamont mainly with offense.
I kind of agree- Khan wasn't tough enough to make the most of Petersons own lack of toughness, and Peterson was just slick enough to negate some of Khan's slickness and speed. It could be that, psychologically and physically, Khan was a better fit for Peterson than Rios will prove to be. I have a feeling that Rios first fight at 140 vs a proper 140lbr who isn't a complete scrub, will tell us a lot. Agreed also that disliking a guy and having good reasons to dislike him never did anything to detract from or reduce his ability to fight.
