Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that Brandon Rios will defend his WBA Lightweight title as part of the Miguel Cotto – Antonio Margarito II undercard in December 3rd in New York.
The bout will replace a previously announced WBA Super Bantamweight title clash between Rico Ramos and Guillermo Rigondeaux.
The Ramos – Rigondeaux bout was pulled from the card after a miscommunication between promoter’s Bob Arum and Dan Goossen of terms of the bout.
“We’re happy to get Brandon back in the ring. He has a telegenic personality, but it’s not just about being able to put Brandon on a major pay-per-view card that is so good. It’s about being able to put him on in Madison Square Garden and in front of a big New York crowd,” said Top Rank president Todd duBoef. “They will eat up his personality and his fighting style.”
“He was begging us at the press conference, telling us how much he wanted to be on the show,” duBoef said. “Well, he got what he wanted.”
“It’s great. We’re going to have the whole team together with Margarito. It’s pretty cool,” Rios said.
“It’s an honor to fight at that venue,” Rios said. “I’ve been told there’s something special about fighting at Madison Square Garden and I’m training hard to give fans a great fight.”
