While he might have his doubts, those who are involved in his career believe that “The Truth,” who hails from the Bronx, New York, is the toughest opponent he’s faced coming in.
"Oh, definitely," said his trainer, Robert Garcia, "Teron is a great fighter. One thing is, he’s very tough and it’s going to be a little complicated but he’s been working very hard at the gym to try to combat that and do good." His manager, Cameron Dunkin, says, "It’s the toughest fight by far. I think it’s really dangerous. But if he can get by this, then he’s in major play, with the NABF title, with the WBC."
Top Rank matchmaker Brad Goodman says of Teron: "He had great amateur credentials just like Brandon and it’s an even-up kinda fight. And Brandon’s the kind of guy that’s willing to step up to fight anybody that he can go to the next level with." He added, "You see where he stands after a fight like Teron and Teron is probably in the same situation."
What makes this match-up intriguing is that Rios brings in a record of 23-0-1 (17), while Teron has a mark of 23-1-1 (15). Rios is just 23; Teron, a year older at 24. It could be an interesting clash of styles.
"People tell me he’s a runner. People tell me he likes to exchange punches but I’m hoping to have a war," said Rios, who is an aggressive grinder. "I always love to have wars. Me, I’m a war-fighter; I go in there and go, ’C’mon, let’s go, macho-macho.’ But if he’s going to run, then you know we got stuff ready for him. We’ve been preparing for all that stuff."
In the past, Rios has had problems making the 135-pound lightweight limit, but because this fight is for a title, he has no other choice but to make weight. But beyond that, Garcia says that he has new found stability in his life because of his decision to not go back to his home of Garden City, Kansas and his wife-to-be, Vicky.
"He lives here, now," Garcia, points out. "He’s engaged and he’s getting married in August. He’s never left Oxnard. He’s different. He still plays around and he’s funny with everybody else, but the way he talks now, his girlfriend has really, really helped him a lot. She’s a very educated person. She’s got a bachelor’s degree; she’s a very smart person. So she put him back to school. He’s going to get his high school diploma because he never graduated. He’s working and they’re already saving money to buy a house."
To Garcia, a former world champion himself, a more disciplined fighter is more focused. "Definitely, he’s more focused. He’s one of the guys that trains the hardest in the gym. Two-and-a-half hours, non-stop, just working hard."
And it’s also a more prudent fighter. Garcia says that in the past that it was a common occurrence for Rios to ask for loans and advances on his purse as he quickly burned through his fight purses. Now, with married life looming, he actually saves for a rainy day.
"I’m actually very, very impressed and happy that she came into his life because she’s helped him so much," the trainer says.
Of his new lifestyle, Rios says, "I feel good, I feel happy and everything. It’s helping me out a little more. She’s always helped me out in the gym and outside the gym. She’s dedicated; she loves the sport that I do. So that’s what’s a big plus about her. She’s a good girl. We get married August 28th; we have a date and everything. Robert’s my best man. So it’s going to be exciting."
But before all that, he’s got an important hurdle to clear this weekend. A win will lead to bigger and better things for the fan-friendly Rios.
"It depends on how he does Saturday night," said Dunkin. "If he wins Saturday night, he’s already in the top ten with the WBA. This would probably put him in the top-ten in the WBC and the door will open and we’ll start pushing for a title fight to put him on the bigger shows. But he’s gotta win Saturday night."
SUPER FLURRIES
Leading off the broadcast this Saturday night on Fox Sports Net/Espanol is a featherweight clash between Tomas Villa and Juan Ruiz...On that same night in Atlantic City, New Jersey, welterweight Shamone Alvarez was to face Alexis Camacho but Star Boxing postponed that card citing the snowstorms that have ravaged that area.. The show has been rescheduled for March 6th... Sergio Mora is slated to return on the Bernard Hopkins-Roy Jones II undercard on April 3rd…If it’s true that Jets pilot Rex Ryan was heckled and spit at by that fan he flipped off, then it turns out that he actually showed great restraint...Michael Irvin, say it ain’t so!...TKO Boxing Promotions hits August, Georgia on February 27th when Rayonta Whitfield takes on Sergio Espinoza for the NABO flyweight belt. Also, on that card, are prospects Mickey Bey, Joseph Elegele and Robert Rodriguez...Whoever takes over for Mike Dunleavy as Clippers coach actually has a pretty nice nucleus to work with next season...My Super Bowl pick? I like the Colts in a close, shoot-out. 34-31, horseshoes...The latest edition of “The Main Event” featured Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw...Any questions or comments can be directed to k9kim@yahoo.com... twitter.com/stevemaxboxing…
