Roberto Garcia would step in to fight Brandon Rios

WELTERWEIGHT Brandon Rios is short an opponent for his return to the ring on September 22 and Roberto Garcia is ready to step right in.

“I’m ready to go,” said Garcia. “I’ve just finished a two-week sparring session with Shawn Porter, so I’m itching to return to the ring against Rios. Let’s make it happen.”

Both Rios (34-4-1, 25 KOs) and Garcia (41-4, 24 KOs) are coming off losses. Rios got stopped by Danny Garcia in the 9th round on February 17 and Garcia lost a unanimous decision and his silver middleweight title to Martin Murray on June 23.

“Garcia has always wanted to fight Rios,” said manager Lee Holliday. “It’s an intriguing fight of former champions. I have spoke to the WBC about Garcia fighting for the 154 pound WBC Silver Belt and received an absolute yes that they would endorse Roberto Garcia for that challenge. Winning the WBC super-welterweight Silver belt would certainly open the doors to face WBC current champion, Jermell Charlo.”