“If we are to permit the words their full intention, it is either premature, or patently false, to say that “Pacquaio is back.” Yes, the fighter that so easily befuddled and abused Rios looked similar to the little terror who ran roughshod over a handful of divisions before running headlong into catastrophe against Juan Manuel Marquez. The lateral movement and hand speed were there; and the power, despite Rios’ predictable protestations to the contrary, was certainly on display. But it was a subdued performance from Pacquiao, one marked not by tentativeness—you cannot be tentative against Rios—so much as curiosity. Pacquiao seemed to be reacquainting himself not only with violence, but also its consequences.”
Read The Perfect Foil: Manny Pacquiao W12 Brandon Rios on The Cruelest Sport.
In Between Rounds 