Brandon Rios vs Richard Abril Odds: Tonight in Vegas top ranked lightweight contender Brandon Rios will face 9th ranked Cuban slickster Richard Abril in a 12-round bout on PPV. The 29-year Abril, 17-2-1, 8 KO’s, is a late replacement for superstar Cuban featherweight champ Yuriorkis Gamboa who pulled out of his fight with Rios a few weeks ago. The bulldozing 25-year old Rios, 29-0-1, 22 KO’s, is on a collision course with main event headliner Juan Manuel Marquez and has been instilled as a 5-1 sports odds favorite over Abril. Our fight picks staff wanted to take a closer look to see if the heavy line  on Rios is warranted.

The Brandon Rios vs Richard Abril Odds have Rios at -600 on the moneyline.

Fight Picks Analysis: These guys have been tossing verbal barbs back and fourth and a $50,000 bonus will be given to the winner. Rios could use some of that dough after being fined $45,000 for coming in two pounds over the lightweight limit at 139 Lbs. but he is still slated to earn a $405,000. The little known Abril will be getting his first taste of big cash with a $100,000 payday and the $50,000 bonus is a huge incentive for him to win. Rios opened as a 10-1 moneyline favorite but money has been coming in steadily on the underdog from Cuba. The Brandon Rios vs Richard Abril Odds have Abril as a +400 moneyline underdog.

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As usual Rios is going to come forward and chuck lots of leather but the clever Abril will have 3″ of height over Rios. Abril’s height advantage coupled with smooth boxing skills and a hunger for an extra $50,000 makes him a “live” underdog. Rios was expecting to fight the superstar Gamboa and his weight is an indication that he is not taking Abril very serious. Rios has a great chin but he is hittable and Abril has above-average speed and power. Abril’s slick defensive moves and agility could give the brawler Rios fits. Take a 0.5 UNIT flier bet ($50 to win $200) on Abril to spoil an all Mexican showdown between Rios and Marquez.

Fight Picks Play: Richard Abril +400 (0.5 Units)

Brad Marchetti

Brad "Einstein" Marchetti is a sports media member that has won various Sports Handicapping contests online. Marchetti is regarded as one of the sharpest Football and Fight Handicappers in the country.