Roach: Rios a better fight for Manny

MANILA, Philippines – If he would have his way, Freddie Roach will pit Manny Pacquiao against Brandon Rios, saying a fight between his prized ward and the heavy-handed American will generate more excitement.

In a report by Lem Satterfield of ringtv.com, the multi-awarded Roach has gone on record that he will pick Rios over Mike Alvarado as Pacquiao’s comeback opponent.

Top Rank chief Bob Arum has penciled Pacquiao’s ring return on November 24 in Macau against either Rios or Alvarado.

Roach, for his part, said Rios’ style is better suited for Pacquiao than Alvarado’s.

“Alvarado, we've worked with before. I think that Rios is probably a better fight, action-wise. We would like that. We like when Manny looks spectacular in an action-packed fight,” the bespectacled trainer explained.

Rios and Alvarado have gone 1-1 fighting each other in a couple of action-packed bouts.

Nevertheless, Rios’ come-forward style is something very familiar to Pacquiao, whose most notable wins came against fighters who like to mix it up like Erik Morales, Ricky Hatton, Oscar de La Hoya, Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito. The Filipino icon ended up dominating those fighters.

But whether it’s Rios or Alvarado, Roach said he’ll make sure Pacquiao is primed for the task at hand.

“I think that Manny fights in the pocket really, really well, and we think that Rios might stay in the pocket a little too long, but either guy is fine. Whoever Manny picks would be great. I'll get him ready for either one,” he continued.