Pacquiao vs. Rios: Breaking Down Winning Blueprint for Each Fighter

Manny Pacquiao doesn't need to deliver a memorable performance versus Brandon Rios this weekend in order to end the longest losing streak of his professional career.

But that doesn't mean the favorite won't be under immense pressure to win. 

Having lost two consecutive fights for the first time in his storied career, the 34-year-old Pac-Man could be headed for retirement if he's unable to impose his will on the American challenger. Meanwhile, this fight provides a shot for the 27-year-old Rios to bounce back from his first professional defeat while pulling off a career-defining upset.

With the stage set, let's take a closer look at what each fighter must do in order to prevail this weekend. 

Pac-Man's Blueprint for Redemption 

Most would agree that Pacquiao is the better fighter in this matchup, and his speed and power are two big reasons for that.

In order to emerge victorious this weekend, Pac-Man will need to put both on display from the outset. Rios is vulnerable defensively and will open himself up for big shots on multiple occasions. Pacquiao must take advantage of those moments and make Rios pay for his lack of quickness and poor head movement.

But it's also critical that Pacquiao learns from his past mistakes. He's certainly no Floyd Mayweather Jr. when it comes to avoiding big blows, and Rios is a strong enough puncher to do some serious damage if Pacquiao isn't careful. 

Above all else, Pac-Man must capitalize on his superior hand and foot speed against Rios. 

There's obviously a ton at stake for Pacquiao in this fight. Both his legacy and career are on the line, which means it'll be vital for him to stay true to the game plan throughout and avoid being swallowed up by the significance of the moment. 

Bam Bam's Blueprint for the Upset

Perhaps the best thing Rios has going for him in this fight is the fact that he can take a punch. Given his lackluster defensive focus and skill in past bouts, he's likely to sustain many punches from the ultra-aggressive Pacquiao.

Let's face it: Pacquiao is a serious step up in class for Rios; therefore, Rios will need to take more risks and ultimately emerge as the tougher of the two men in order to pull the upset. 

He can't be outworked and still expect to beat a much more talented boxer.

Bam Bam has some strengths, though, including a big right hand that has helped him to a 69.7 knockout percentage through the first 33 fights of his professional career. And as already mentioned, Pacquiao's own inability to keep his head out of harm's way often leaves him exposed. 

If Rios can capitalize in those moments and damage Pacquiao with a counterpunch or two when he comes forward, he'll have an excellent shot at knocking him down and creating doubt in Pac-Man's mind.

Clearly, Rios' blueprint for success will be much more difficult to follow. But as the underdog, he'll be fighting with absolutely nothing to lose, and that gives him one significant advantage over Pacquiao. 

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.