Brandon Rios returns against Humberto Soto
Former WBA lightweight champion Brandon Rios will be facing former two-division champion Humberto Soto on February 23. The match will take place on DAZN’s first promotional fight in Mexico.
This fight is going to bring down the house and keep fans on their feet. Both men have an aggressive, come-forward, take-no-prisoners style of fighting.
Brandon Rios
Rios (35-4-1, 26KO) is a 32 year-old boxer from Oxnard, California. He’s had one of those careers where his record doesn’t tell the whole story.
Early on during his lightweight career, Rios rose through the ranks by defeating everyone put in front of him. This eventually lead to a title opportunity against then WBA champion, Miguel Acosta.
The California native captured his first title by knockout in impressive fashion. After three successful title defenses, weight issues forced him to move up.
However, things got problematic following two consecutive wars with Mike Alvarado (splitting the victories) at super-lightweight.
Fighting at welterweight, a big PPV opportunity came via a fight with Manny Pacquiao. After that loss, combined with his weight issues, a downward spiral would continue in high level fights.
He went on to suffer brutal knockout losses to Timothy Bradley and Danny Garcia. In an attempt to get things back on track, he signed a multi-fight deal with DAZN. He kicked-off his debut with a knockout victory against Ramon Alvarez in 2018.
Humberto Soto
Soto (68-9-2, 37KO), a 38 year-old Mexican fighter, is no stranger to the boxing community. His career spans over 20 years. Within that time frame, he has been in the ring with some of the best fighters of two generations. Names like Jorge Solis, Rocky Juarez, Joan Guzman, Kevin Kelley and Juan Carlos Abreu are among a few notable names on his resume.
The man nicknamed “The Crafty Fox,” earned it with some upset victories over some of the aforementioned fighters. With his ability to adjust, sharp body-punching and a crisp straight right-hand, he has always remained a formidable opponent throughout the years.
However, at this phase of both men’s careers, you have to wonder what is left in the gas tank. If there is still something deep inside the basement of these former champions, then we should expect some serious fireworks.
This fight is scheduled February 23. live on DAZN at the Auditorio Municipal in Tijuana, Mexico.
By: Garrisson Bland
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