Brandon Lee Ríos, famously known as “Bam Bam,” is a retired professional boxer celebrated for his aggressive fighting style, powerful punches, and remarkable durability.
Born on April 29, 1986, in Lubbock, Texas, Ríos rose to prominence as the WBA Lightweight Champion in 2011. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of his life and career.
Brandon Ríos’s Biography
| Full Name | Brandon Lee Ríos |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Bam Bam |
| Date of Birth | April 29, 1986 |
| Age | 39 |
| Place of Birth | Lubbock, Texas, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Reach | 68 in (173 cm) |
| Turned Pro | July 23, 2004 |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| Salary | Varies per fight |
| Spouse | Victoria López |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @brandonrios1 |
Early Career
Ríos had an impressive amateur career with a record of 230–35. In 2004, he won the U.S.
National Amateur Featherweight Championship and served as an Olympic alternate at 125 lbs. His amateur success laid the foundation for his professional boxing journey.
Ríos’ trilogy with Mike Alvarado is one of boxing’s most celebrated rivalries due to their action-packed fights. Ríos won two of the three bouts, including their final meeting in 2015.
Professional Career
Brandon Ríos turned professional in July 2004 and quickly made a name for himself with his aggressive style. In February 2011, he claimed the WBA Lightweight Championship by defeating Miguel Acosta via a tenth-round TKO.
Over the years, Ríos faced several notable opponents such as Mike Alvarado and Manny Pacquiao. Despite some losses later in his career, including bouts against Timothy Bradley and Danny Garcia, Ríos remained a fan favorite due to his relentless fighting spirit.
One of his most memorable fights was against Mike Alvarado in October 2012 when he won the WBO Latino junior welterweight title.
However, he also faced setbacks like his loss to Manny Pacquiao in November 2013 for the WBO International welterweight title.
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Wife
Brandon Ríos is married to Victoria López. The couple tied the knot in August 2010 and share a strong bond. They have three daughters—Laila, Mia, and Ava—and two sons from Ríos’ previous relationship.
Brandon Ríos’s Net Worth Details
Brandon Ríos’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million as of 2025. His wealth primarily comes from his boxing career and fight purses earned during high-profile matches.
Fight Purses
| Fight Opponent | Year | Purse Earned |
|---|---|---|
| Manny Pacquiao | 2013 | $4 million |
| Mike Alvarado II | 2013 | $1.25 million |
| Timothy Bradley | 2015 | – |
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Miguel Acosta | Win | TKO (10th Round) |
| Mike Alvarado | Win | RTD (3rd Round) |
| Manny Pacquiao | Loss | Unanimous Decision |
FAQs
1. Who is Brandon Ríos?
Brandon Ríos, nicknamed “Bam Bam,” is a retired American professional boxer known for his aggressive fighting style and durable chin. He held the WBA Regular Lightweight title in 2011 and competed in notable bouts against top fighters like Manny Pacquiao and Mike Alvarado.
2. What is Brandon Ríos’ boxing record?
Ríos has a professional record of 35 wins (26 by knockout), 5 losses, and 1 draw. His last fight was a unanimous decision loss to Humberto Soto on February 23, 2019.
3. What are Brandon Ríos’ career highlights?
Ríos won the WBA Lightweight Championship in 2011 by defeating Miguel Acosta via TKO. He also participated in a memorable trilogy with Mike Alvarado and fought Manny Pacquiao in 2013.
4. What was Brandon Ríos’ amateur boxing record?
As an amateur, Ríos compiled an impressive record of 230 wins and 35 losses. He was the U.S. National Amateur Featherweight Champion in 2004 and served as an Olympic alternate at 125 lbs.
5. What is Brandon Ríos’ fighting style?
Ríos is known for his pressure-fighting style, powerful punches, and ability to absorb punishment. These traits made him a fan favorite during his career.
6. Why did Brandon Ríos fail a drug test after fighting Manny Pacquiao?
After his fight with Pacquiao in 2013, Ríos tested positive for a banned substance used as a weight-loss aid. He attributed it to advice from his conditioning team rather than intentional doping.
7. What is Brandon Ríos’ most famous rivalry?
Ríos’ trilogy with Mike Alvarado is one of boxing’s most celebrated rivalries due to their action-packed fights. Ríos won two of the three bouts, including their final meeting in 2015.
8. What personal motivations drove Brandon Ríos during his career?
Ríos often cited his family as his primary motivation, including a promise to his daughter to win another world title before retiring.
9. What controversies surrounded Brandon Ríos?
Ríos faced criticism for mocking Freddie Roach’s Parkinson’s disease during a press event in 2010, though he later apologized, claiming he was unaware of Roach’s condition at the time.
10. What is Brandon Ríos doing now?
Since retiring from professional boxing, Ríos has stayed out of the ring competitively but remains involved in the sport through occasional appearances and interviews discussing his career.
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