Fighter of the decade and eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is hungry for a win as he re-enters the ring for the vacant WBO International Welterweight title against the former WBA World Lightweight Champion Branon “Bam Bam” Rios at the Cotai Arena, Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel in Macau.
GMA Network airs the 12-round bout dubbed, “Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao vs. Brandon ‘Bam Bam’ Rios, The Clash in Cotai” via satellite on Sunday, November 24 at 11 AM after “Ang Bagong Hamon: Pacquiao-Rios Primer.”
GMA’s flagship AM station dzBB 594, FM station Barangay LS 97.1 and all RGMA stations nationwide will be airing a live blow-by-blow account of the action beginning 9 AM.
This will be Pacquiao’s first fight outside the United States since his 12-round super featherweight unanimous victory over former World Champion Oscar Larios in the Philippines in 2006. Rios has had only one other fight outside the US back in 2008 where he won a 10-round split decision over Ricardo Dominguez.
37-year old Pacquiao, holding more experience under his belt with a 54-5 record including 38 KOs and 2 draws, is determined to prove that he still has what it takes to compete in the top tier of boxing.
“This is going to be a good fight. All-action. I’m going to do my best to put my name back on the top of boxing,” Pacquiao said in the LA Times.
As the much-awaited match draws near, Pacquiao’s training has intensified under coach Freddie Roach’s guidance.
Rios, on the other hand, has 31 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw to his name as he sets out to establish himself as a worthy opponent to the celebrated Filipino boxer.
As of October 27, 2013, Pacquiao and Rios rank No.2 WBO Welterweight and No.7 Ring Junior Welterweight, respectively.