Former lightweight world champion Brandon Rios (35-4-1, 26 KOs) stopped Ramon Alvarez (27-7-3, 16 KOs) by TKO at 38 seconds of the ninth round, in a contest which took place on Saturday night in Kansas.

In the first round, things were not looking good for Rios, who was taking a pounding from Alvarez - which Rios attributes to the higher than usual weight limit for the contest.

“I felt the heaviness and I’m not used to it. I had to get used to the heaviness of him after the 1st round. I’m used to 147 not 151. We’re warriors and we came to fight," Rios said. “I just fight the way I fight. Be different. I fight smart, fight with head movement and my jab.”

Rios had been out of the ring since February, when he was knocked out by Danny Garcia in a welterweight clash that took place in Las Vegas.

Since that loss, he got back together with Robert Garcia and switched up his training regimen to get prepared for the next chapter of his long career.

“Changing the training camp the regiment, changes to my team. I had bad habits leading to big fights. I’m very grateful for the big fights. I’m Brandon Rios, that’s how I fight,” Rios said.

Rios is currently under a multi-fight deal with promoter Eddie Hearn's Matchroom USA.

Hearn has mentioned Rios' name as a potential opponent for rising UK welterweight prospect Josh Kelly, who really likes the idea of the fight.

Rios feels ready for anything that Hearn throws in his direction - including a world title opportunity.

“I’m signed to Eddie Hearn and DAZN. I got my next fight with Eddie, and excited for it. If you want to put me in the next title shot, I’m there,” Rios said.