By Edward Chaykovsky

Former champion Brandon Rios (31-2-1, 23KOs) was overwhelmed by the speed and the footwork of eight division king Manny Pacquiao. The Filipino star dominated Rios over twelve rounds on Saturday night in Macau. Rios was hit with many, many power shots during the fight, but insists he was never hurt at any point in the contest.

He credits his ex-rival, former 140-pound champion Mike Alvarado, as having heavier hands than Pacquiao. Rios stopped Alvarado last year in a 'Fight of The Year' classic, but lost a close decision to Alvarado in their rematch earlier this year.

"Honestly I didn't feel his power as much. I think I got more stung by Alvarado than his punches. I never felt his punches. I think what killed me was just his speed and his awkwardness. He is very awkward and he throws punches from different angles. I think that's what killed me. I fought my heart out and I came in top shape. I tried to follow the game plan. Every time I wanted to throw, I felt like I was going to get countered [because of] the hand speed. I thought he did a great job," Rios said in an interview posted on krikya360.com.

"But one thing I'll say, to Freddie Roach, I'm not no journeyman fighter - he was not going to stop me in four rounds or six rounds. I come to win, I fight my heart out and he never hurt me. He hit me with some good shots, but I never got dazed. The factor was the speed."