By Jason Kim: Former WBA World lightweight champion Brandon Rios (28-0-1, 22 KO’s) will be working with Victor Conte, the counter of BALCO, on a diet to help keep his weight down. Rios failed to make weight for his fight last weekend against John Murray and not only lost his World Boxing Association title but also was fined $20,000 of his purse for that fight.

The plans are now for Rios to move up in weight to light welterweight (140lbs), where they hope Rios will be able to fit into the division without needing to starve himself the last week before the fight like he did last time. However, even 140 could be a problem for Rios unless his management gets control over his diet.

Speaking with Ringtv, Rios’ manager Cameron Dunkin said, “We’re going to bring in Victor Conte. I’m going to have him send me a real diet for Brandon. Brandon is a kid who doesn’t mind exercises, but he’s going to have to train more…We’re are going to bring in Victor Conte and he’ll put him on the right foods.

But we’re not going to ask Brandon to become what he isn’t.”
Dunkin may have to if it doesn’t work out for Rios at 140, because he didn’t look good against the limited Murray, who no real power to speak of. Bob Arum already wants to put Rios in with unbeaten Mike Alvarado in his first fight at light welterweight in a sink or swim fight.

I think we may see Rios suffer his first loss in that fight, and afterwards you can bet Rios will discover a new dedication to eating right. I don’t see a place for Rios at light welterweight. He’s not a huge puncher and is more of a watered down version of Humberto Soto, a volume puncher that likes to throw uppercuts.

Rios gets hit too much and he’ll take terrible punishment at 140 unless Arum protects him by keeping him away from all the good fighters that can punch at that weight. I think Rios will try 140 and depending on how tough he’s matched, he’ll likely be moved back down to 135. Rios ate himself out of a title, and I suspect his eating will keep him from ever winning another title unless he can move back down to lightweight.