Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez facing off last December in Las Vegas (Photo: Chris Farina – Top Rank)
By Chris Robinson
As we head into the final stretch of fights in 2013, the last pay per view event to close out the year will be Manny Pacquiao’s return against all-action Brandon Rios, who he is set to meet on Nov. 23 in Macau, China in an HBO pay per view clash.
For some, the biggest intrigue heading into the match is what version of Pacquiao we are going to see.
This past December, the Filipino star was knocked out in brutal fashion, as he was left lying unconscious after taking a counter right hand from Juan Manuel Marquez in the sixth round of their fourth encounter.
Nearing 35 years old and coming off of such a devastating loss, it’s understandable why Pacquiao may have some doubters these days.
When asked about the matchup with Rios, veteran trainer Miguel Diaz, who has worked Pacquiao’s corner as a cut man for the past nine fights, seems to feel his charge will bounce back impressively next month.
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