Don’t make the same mistake twice.
It is a simple concept, but hard to execute for a lot of people. I would imagine, while getting hit in the face multiple times, it is hard to remember that simple rule.
Don’t make the same mistake twice.
Mike Alvarado always knew how to beat Brandon Rios, but the difference between their first fight and the slugfest that took place last night at the Mandalay Bay, was he learned from his mistake. Brandon Rios has a granite chin, heavy hands and the heart of a champion.
He isn’t a good boxer though, he is a brawler. He simply overpowers his opponent and makes them submit. That is what he did to Alvarado in their first fight, he simply lured Alvarado into a war and eventually that was the crucial mistake Alvarado made. Not many boxers are going to win a war with Brandon Rios.
Alvarado made the proper adjustments for the second fight, subtle but important changes. His movement was better, his boxing was better, when he was in any bit of trouble he would clench and more importantly, even though Rios never took a step back, he never fell into his trap of going toe to toe. I wondered if Alvarado could keep his focus for the full 12 rounds, but he got better as the fight went on.
The scoring was close 115-113, 115-113 and 114-113, but beyond a shaky 2nd round, Alvarado controlled the fight and landed the harder and cleaner blows. His defense should not be overlooked as well, as he kept Rios off him with a great jab and movement throughout the fight.
Everyone would like a third fight, but Bob Arum who loves to milk his fighters as much as possible, says he will pit them against different opponents for their next fight.
Don’t be shocked if Rios, who didn’t hurt himself at all, even in defeat gets a shot at Manny Pacquiao in the fall. Alvarado could be an opponent for Juan Manuel Marquez or even Tim Bradley. A lot depends on if there is a Pacquiao vs. Marquez 5.
Great fight with no losers and only winners.