The bantamweight Rianna Rios has learned a lot from the Roach family and now she is paying it forward in her hometown of San Antonio, Texas by inspiring the next generation of women’s boxers.
Rios fights Nancy Franco in a 10-round bout at the Boeing Center at Tech Port, San Antonio. She hopes this will be a springboard to a title fight.
Her head trainer is Lamont Roach Snr. She spent her camp in Texas working with Jeffery Mays, who is a trainer, a cut man, and helped the USA Boxing Olympics team.
Rios, 30, is a former sergeant in the US Army. San Antonio is recognised for its military presence, so she expects a strong legion of support, but it is the strawweight Amanda Sendejo she is most excited about. She helps train Sendejo, who is making her debut on Saturday’s undercard. When Rios makes her walk to the ring, Sendejo will be there beside her, similarly to how Rios walked Lamont Roach Jnr to the ring for his first world title defense in 2024, against Feargal McCrory on ProBox TV.
“I have a stable mate from here in Texas, who’s also making her pro debut,” Rios told BoxingScene of Sendejo. “I got to watch her grow up in amateurs a little bit and watching her make her pro debut on this card is going to be something great to see.
“She is a two-time national champion. I’m actually one of her coaches, so I’ve been coaching her for the past two years here with coach Jeff Mays. I’m extremely excited to watch her make that transition into the pro ranks.”
Rios, who is inching towards a title fight, is eager to share another memorable moment with Sendejo.
“I was there for her when she won her last national title,” Rios, 8-0 (1 KO), said. “I was actually in the corner with her, so to be in the corner for her with this one [her pro debut] is going to be a special night to watch her make the transition.
“I’m extremely excited for her. I think I’m more excited to watch her fight than for my own fight.”
Rios faces the veteran Franco, 35. Franco’s previous biggest moment came 10 years ago when she won the IBF minimumweight title. She has since become a journeywoman, and holds a record of 19-21-2 (5 KOs).
From Guadalajara, Mexico, Franco has been winless since 2021, but stays extremely busy by testing top prospects who have aspirations of being a belt holder. Rios knows a title shot could be coming soon.
The WBA bantamweight titleholder Cherneka Johnson fights Nina Hughes in a rematch on March 22 in Sydney, Australia. Rios is looking to make the most of her homecoming as a prelude to a fight with the winner. She is looking to build towards that fight while helping to empower Sendejo, who is just starting her journey.
“I haven’t fought in the state of Texas in almost 13 years, so it’s a big homecoming for me,” she said. “I’m extremely excited to fight back here; back home.
“I’m ready to put on a hell of a performance for my family, friends and supporters. It’s a military city for a reason, so I’m more than sure a lot of men and women who wear that uniform are going to be there to support as well.”
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