By: Pamela LiVecchi

This was a bout that all boxing fans had been looking forward to for a while. Brandon Rios has been consistently successful with his style of brawling while often abandoning his technique, and he is a man who fans either love or do not like. Some still remember his mocking of Freddy Roach, one of the best coaches of our time, while others appreciate how he always comes to fight. Mike Alvarado had been looking forward to this fight as much as Rios, and had just as much to gain or lose. Fans anticipated an exciting fight and they got what they were looking for.

10- rounds for the vacant WBO Latino light welterweight title, Rios and Alvarado both came and did what they said they were going to do. From the start it was action packed as the two warriors fought their hearts out. While there were periods where Alvarado appeared to be in control with strong combinations, Rios had his moments as well.

During the third round, Alvarado pulled back to the outside. He used his jab and longer reach as he attempted to take control. Rios attempted to move back to the inside where he works best. Rios caught him several times while Alvarado returned the action, but also was doing a good job with his jab.

Round four, Rios remained vulnerable to Alvarado