CHITO RIOS: A LONG ROAD FROM PRISON TO A TITLE SHOT
By Mike Angel Lopez
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 04 Aug 2015
Rios (R).
This coming weekend in Dubai, there will be a huge boxing card named 'Duel in Dubai 2'. The main event will feature IBF Intercontinental super bantamweight champion Albert Pagara (23-0, 16 KOs), ranked No. 5 in the IBF, who will put his title on the line against Mexican Jesus 'Chito' Rios (31-7, 25KOs) of Guasave, Sinaloa Mexico.
Rios is well known to Filipino fans as he has fought in Manila in the past against Michael ?Iron Hands? Farenas in a 2nd round brutal KO loss at the beautiful Solaire Hotel and Casino on December 13, 2013. Farenas took apart Rios who came in out of shape.
(L-R Campos, Lugo, Robles, Lopez ,Rios at Solaire Hotel and Casino)
Rios was a top prospect in his early years who amassed a solid record of 24 wins, 3 loses with 19 KOs and was on his way to a huge title fight. However, his career was cut short when in 2007, he was arrested for cocaine smuggling into the United States. It was a long 3 1/2 years where he was detained in a United States prison and was eventually deported back to Mexico after serving his sentence. The fast money and having a United States visa was too tempting for the young Rios.
After his release, he continued with his boxing career, but he was never the same world title contender. He had piled up a 7-4 record since his comeback.
His trainer Jorge Campos will not travel with him since Rios was only given one airline ticket and instead will be accompanied by a handler Edmundo Gaytan. Campos expressed Rios is at a disadvantage coming into this fight without having his trainer but a measly handler who doesn?t know anything about Rios and preys on Mexican fighters. Gaytan will accompany the three Mexican boxers.
Campos who handles four world title contenders said that Rios was in shape for this fight and is very prepared. This could be the biggest fight of his career if he can take the title from the young Pagara. Rios lost to Fernando Montiel one year ago by a devastating KO in the first round.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Mike Angel Lopez.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Great Boxing Weekend All Over the World
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Tue, 22 Jul 2025WBC 63rd Annual Convention and Muay Thai Convention in Bangkok, Thailand Update
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 22 Jul 2025OLD HABITS NEVER DIE
By Ed de la Vega, DDS, Tue, 22 Jul 2025Pacquiao Sends US Boxing Scene Buzzing Again
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 22 Jul 2025Hurting inside
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 22 Jul 2025Shocking Incident at MaxFight 62: Fighter Bites Opponent’s Ear in Live MMA Broadcast, Prompting National Outrage and Scrutiny of Bulgarian MMA Federation
Tue, 22 Jul 2025Immanuwel Aleem Takes on Demond NIcholson in DMV Turf War on Saturday. July 26th at The Hall in Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland
Mon, 21 Jul 2025Barrios lucky to keep title
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 21 Jul 2025Allan Cantonjos rules Dipolog FIDE Standard chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 21 Jul 2025PHI GenTri Chess Players to Wave Philippine Flag in Hong Kong
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 21 Jul 2025Filipino Pride and the Art of Hero Worship
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 21 Jul 2025Manny Pacquiao vs. Logic
By Mark F. Villanueva, Sun, 20 Jul 2025McTavish a proud Filipino
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 20 Jul 2025GM Antonio rules Taiwan blitz chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Jul 2025History Slips From Pacquiao's Hands as Barrios Fight Ends in Majority Draw
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 20 Jul 2025