Pacquiao vs. Rios: Breaking Down What Both Fighters Must Do to Win Macau Bout

Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2) and Brandon Rios (31-1-1) have a date on Saturday at the Venetian Macao in Macau, China.

Questions abound for both fighters.

Pacquiao enters the bout on a losing streak. "Pac-Man" has not won since Nov. 12, 2011, where he trumped Juan Manuel Marquez. Since then, Pacquiao has been defeated by Timothy Bradley and Marquez. 

"Bam Bam" is also coming off a loss to Mike Alvarado and faces questions about his status as a legitimate contender.

The two fighters have plenty riding on the fight. Both Pacquiao and Rios also have two distinct styles—which means each fighter has a very specific game plan he must execute efficiently to win.

Here's a breakdown of how each fighter can leave China with a victory.

Manny Pacquiao

The 34-year-old legend has been on hiatus since being on the wrong end of a Marquez knockout blow in December 2012.

Fully rested, Pacquiao is as dangerous as ever. Questions about his decline persist, but they're unnecessary. Pacquiao made one mistake against Marquez and was completely robbed in the Bradley fight, if we go by CompuBox's fight stats.

Pacquiao has a number of things working in his advantage. Rios has never boxed above the 140-pound weight class. He's also rarely had to deal with the type of speed Pacquiao brings to the table.

Pac-Man is at his best against an offensive opponent. His quick, drifting footwork and excellent counters need to be on full display against Rios. A straight jab from Rios must be evaded or discouraged with a swing over the top from Pacquiao.

One has to wonder how Pacquiao's jaw will hold up. At the same time, Pacquiao has the ability to make it a non-factor. Rios is a volume puncher. While accurate, he's never danced with someone like Pacquiao, who can return with a matched ferociousness.

It's boring, but Pacquiao has to keep being himself to win. That's why he's the favorite, and Rios is chomping at the bit for a shot against him.

Brandon Rios

Rios has a lot of work to do.

Before we dive in, it's good to know the American boxer does not lack for confidence:

Alright then.

If Rios is to live up to his word, some changes are necessary. He can't simply abandon the style that got him here in the first place, but Rios' two-for-one exchange and defense via earmuffs will get him slaughtered against Pacquiao.

Rios cannot allow Pacquiao to dictate the pace. If he does, it's over. Instead, Rios must help to dictate the flow by cutting off Pacquiao's footwork and easing off the gas on his normally aggressive style. Straight jabs to get close will end Rios quickly—that's Pacquiao's favorite counter.

If Rios can lure Pacquiao where he wants him, a major blow against what could be a shaky chin may get the job done.

But if Rios goes with his typical style, which includes a barrage of around 80 punches per round, it's not going to end well.

Rios is no Marquez, but that's the style he needs to mimic in order to win. If not, Rios will have a hard time finding another fight of this magnitude for some time.

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