Pacquiao vs. Rios Fight: What Must Happen for Battle to Win Fight of the Year

A few really good fights have already taken place in 2013, but the Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios fight in Macau, China has a chance to be one of, if not the best of the year. Of course, there are a few things that must happen if the fight is going to reach legendary status. Here’s a look at some of the factors that must be involved if the clash in Macau is going to be one of the year’s best fights.

Manny Can’t Fight Smart

Pacquiao has the physical tools to make this a boring, one-sided rout. He has an edge in hand and foot speed, and he is the more accurate puncher. If he concentrates on defense and picks his spots, he could win easily.

Fortunately for fight fans, Pac-Man would never fight this way—even if it is the best game plan. He may come out looking to box initially, but the first time he gets hit with a solid shot, the war will be on.

He'll clap his gloves together and come looking for immediate retribution.

Rios Must Show He Can Take Manny’s Punch

Bam Bam has been in the ring with good punchers, but when Manny is right, few can thump like he can. Rios’ defense is the weakest aspect of his game. Without question, he is going to take some punishment. The major question will be can he take Pacquiao's punches without crumbling.

Because Manny is going to give him opportunities, and Rios can bang himself, if the latter can absorb some of Pac-Man’s punishment, this could be a knockdown, drag-out affair.

Competent Judging

There are several signs that point to this fight ending in KO or TKO, but if it does go to the cards, the boxing community can only pray the judging doesn’t ruin a potentially great fight. This has been an almost regular occurrence in boxing since its inception, but it seems as if awareness for poor decisions is heightened now. Hopefully the judges assigned do their jobs.

Follow me for news and musings on the Sweet Science.