Mike Alvarado vs. Brandon Rios: Live Stream, Fight Time, Date and TV Info

By Brian Mazique

If there's a rivalry boxing fans could liken to the classic trilogy between Micky Ward and Arturo Gatti, it's the Brandon "Bam Bam" Rios (32-2-1, 23 KO) and "Mile High" Mike Alvarado (34-3, 23 KO) program. Neither Ward nor Gatti was a serious contender when the two engaged in the first of three fights that made us care about a rivalry that had no title implications.

Rios and Alvarado are in a similar situation. Neither man is in position to seriously challenge a champion at 140 or 147 pounds. Rios has lost two of his last three fights. The lone win came by disqualification against Diego Chaves, but Rios was down on the cards when his opponent was disqualified.

Alvarado has dropped three of his last four. Each man sits at a crossroads in his career and is fighting to remain relevant.

They need to put on a show that leaves us wanting to see more of them. That type of mutual motivation can be the formula for a great fight. In the first meeting in 2012, the two men battled tooth and nail, with Rios' power ultimately delivering him a TKO win in the seventh round.

That bout was the runner-up for Fight of the Year. The rematch took place in 2013, and Alvarado learned from his previous mistakes. He used his movement and boxing prowess to win a less thrilling unanimous decision. 

After the fight, the men agreed to fight again, but Alvarado insisted the third bout take place in his home state of Colorado. Almost three years later, we have the rubber match, and it is indeed on Alvarado's stomping grounds.

On action alone, you're going to want to see this. Here's how you can watch.

When: Saturday, Jan. 24 at 9:45 p.m. ET

Where: 1stBank Center, Broomfield, Colorado

TV: HBO

Live Stream: BoxNation

Distractions and Desperation

Alvarado has had his share of run-ins with the law. The most recent issue was an arrest on a gun charge after police found a weapon in his Hummer.

The arrest took place just three weeks before the scheduled bout with Rios. While the arrest apparently won't affect the fight, the consequences could come back to bite Alvarado down the road.

As Alvarado attempts to right the ship in the ring, it seems his life outside of it might not be stable. Can we expect Alvarado to be at his best so closely removed from an issue that could ultimately threaten his freedom?

If he's the same boxer/puncher who showed up in the second fight with Rios, he has an excellent chance to win again. If he's not on his game, Rios' sense of urgency could allow him to stop Alvarado. A loss could be disastrous for Alvarado's career.

Alvarado's manager, Henry Delgado, seemed concerned about his fighter's career in a phone conversation with The Associated Press, via USA Today.

Delgado said, "I've never seen him put 100 percent into his career. It's what you do in between the fights that defines you. It's how you're living, how you're taking care of yourself. Nobody has seen what he could've been. He wouldn't have any losses if he was committed 100 percent."

He's on a losing streak, is headed for potential legal issues and is 34 years old. If ever there's been a must-win situation, this is it.

More Than a Punching Bag

In his last few bouts, Rios has looked like nothing more than a heavy bag for his opponents. His lack of foot speed, his head movement and his slow hands have made him an easy opponent. Alvarado wrote the blueprint in the second bout.

Rios has to do something to prove beating him isn't as simple as the last few opponents have made it seem. The 28-year-old Rios knows how crucial this fight is for him. Per this interview with Marco Villegas of Fight Hub TV, a loss could end Rios' career:

Personality isn't Rios' problem. He's a likable and flawed character and fighter. 

Effort is also never an issue for Rios. He gives his all in every bout. We'll see if his skill level can match his passion Saturday.

Prediction

If I were convinced Alvarado would have himself together mentally for this fight, he'd be my pick. However, I'm concerned he's not focused enough and that he'll allow Rios to draw him into a brawl that is similar to their first bout.

That's a fight Alvarado can't win. With Rios apparently more in tune with the gravity of the in-ring situation, he's in a favorable position.

Bam Bam will scrap his way back to mid-round stoppage and the bragging rights in the rivalry with Alvarado.

Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2338523-mike-alvarado-vs-brandon-rios-3-fight-time-date-live-stream-and-tv-info