Boxing News 2016: Robert Garcia, Brandon Rios Go Their Separate Ways
Former World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight world champion Brandon Rios has parted ways with his first and long-time boxing trainer Robert Garcia.
"Bam Bam" has been under the tutelage of Garcia since his days as an amateur boxer trying out for the Olympic team in 2004. Since then, they have been inseparable, as Garcia was able to guide Rios to an impressive 31-fight win streak that ran from 2004-2012.
Along the way, Rios has had the opportunity to face the sport's best and most formidable fighters, namely Mike Alvarado, Richard Abril, and boxing's first and only eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.
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Rios' most recent fight was a WBO welterweight title showdown against champion Timothy Bradley in November at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. After being stopped via a ninth round TKO, the 29-year-old Rios made the announcement that he was retiring from professional prizefighting.
Rios did take back his retirement declaration and is now back to being an active fighter. However, he decided to cut ties with his long-time trainer.
Speaking to Boxingscene, Garcia explained the situation involving his now former fighter. According to him, there are no hard feelings between him and Rios as the latter decided to go under the tutelage of his father instead.
"Brandon is not working out in my gym," Garcia confirmed. "I had a really good talk with Brandon a few weeks ago and we're brothers, he calls me, he still texts me every day and checks how I'm doing and I do the same with him."
Garcia adds that he even encouraged Rios to go and train with his father for the remaining fights that he intends to take as it could also help the elder Rios earn a little extra on the side.
"I have no problem with (it)," Garcia said. "We still keep in touch almost everyday."
