Former two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman in Las Vegas (Photo: Chris Robinson – www.HustleBoss.com)

By Chris Robinson

On paper, tonight’s Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios clash from the Venetian Resort’s Coati Arena in Macau, China sees several advantages lying with Pacquiao.

Not only is Rios moving up in weight, he has yet to deal with a southpaw with so many weapons as Pacquiao, including speed, power, and the ability to throw punches from a variety of angles.

Rios’ crude and pressing style has seen him do well thus far, but some feel that he may be tailor made for Pacquiao.

According to two-time heavyweight champion George Foreman, however, it is Rios who may be able to work his way towards a victory in the later rounds.

“We’ll know after six rounds,” Foreman revealed during his time with the media at the Palazzo in Las Vegas on Friday afternoon. “Because, after six rounds, if Brandon Rios is smart, he’ll start bringing it on. And then, by the eleventh round, Brandon Rios may be laying the groundwork for a knockout himself of Pacquiao. It can happen.”

Coming off of a horrific knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez this past December, Foreman isn’t sure what version of Pacquiao we are going to see.

“Manny, like I said, a lot of questions he’s going to have to ask himself,” Foreman stated. “They start really multiplying after the third round. ‘Do I really want to box? Should I really be in this fight?’ Just bombarded with a lot of questions and you may not have the answers.”

Foreman feels that the concerns for Pacquiao, who is nearing 35 years of age, should be not about his physical abilities but more about his mental state.

“When you lose and you’ve been accustomed to all of these victories, and especially by knockout, you are actually devastated,” said Foreman. “But you come back, it just takes a lot of time.

“Has Pacquiao had enough time?” Foreman asked. “Because he’s not only got to say to himself ‘Physically I’m ready’ but ‘Mentally, I’m just not the same guy anymore’. He might not be able to muster up that kind of confidence.”

PLEASE  CHECK  BELOW  for more all-access Pacquiao vs. Rios coverage…

Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini: ‘Alex Ariza should be kissing Freddie Roach’s ass!’

Tim Bradley says he dominated Marquez; only has intest in facing Mayweather or Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios Official Weigh-In from Macau, China [11.22.2013]

Sugar Ray Leonard gives his quick take on Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios

Tim Bradley talks Pacquiao vs. Rios: ‘Freddie Roach always plays mental games’

Roy Jones Jr. – ‘Pacquiao is clearly the better boxer; Rios is clearly the better brawler’

Marco Antonio Barrera believes that Manny Pacquiao’s movement will be key against Rios

Freddie Roach sees flaws in Floyd Mayweather’s game and hopes Pacquiao can one day face him

Mike Alvarado: ‘I’ve got Pacquiao in a later stoppage against Rios’

Floyd Mayweather Sr. reacts to the brawl between Freddie Roach and Alex Ariza

Freddie Roach opens up on the confrontation with Team Rios, his racist comments, and the aftermath

Near brawl in Macau as Freddie Roach confronts Team Rios and gets kicked by Alex Ariza

Manny Pacquiao showing off his speed and power in Macau ahead of showdown with Rios

Manny Pacquiao full core workout in Macau, China days before clash with Brandon Rios

Manny Pacquiao opens up on his training for Rios, Brandon’s power, the Typhoon in the Philippines, and more

Freddie Roach calls Brandon Rios a ‘pretender’ and eyes Floyd Mayweather for Manny Pacquiao

Shawn Porter feels the old Manny Pacquiao will return against Brandon Rios

Brandon Rios believes that his pressure will negate Manny Pacquiao’s speed

Miguel Diaz says Pacquiao’s knockout loss to Marquez ‘means nothing’; favors him over Rios

Juan Manuel Marquez favors Pacquiao over Brandon Rios but shoots down a fifth fight with Manny

Brandon Rios says people in China don’t like Manny Pacquiao

Gennady Golovkin feels Brandon Rios could suffer the same fate as Margarito did against Pacquiao

Robert Garcia opens up on Alex Ariza joining Team Rios; insists he won’t take any drama in camp

Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com