Ruslan Provodnikov vs. Lucas Matthysse

By Boxing News - 10/11/2013 - Comments

provodnilov4By Isaac Brodie: On the 19th Provodnikov (22-2, 15 KO’s) will have another chance to prove himself at the top level in a bid to relieve Mike Alvarado (34-1, 23 KO’s) of his WBO title.

In his last outing Ruslan proved, without a doubt, he is a serious puncher at 140-47, despite falling to Bradley via unanimous decision.

Ruslan knocked down the champion in the 12th and had him out on his feet more than once.

Now he has the chance to put that power toward a world title at his preferred weight of 140.

In all likelihood Provodnikov will loose out in a close but unanimous decision. Alvarado is still largely a brawler but in avenging his loss to Rios he proved he does have the ability to box, to some extent. If Alvarado fight’s the same way he did in the second Rios fight it could be a long night for Ruslan. I haven’t seen anything to suggest that Ruslan has any more ability to make adjustment than Rios. Also I rate Alvarado as a better puncher than Bradley, so he will have a much bigger stick with which to keep the Russian at bay.

So one possibility is we all sit on the edge of out seats to watch Alvarado circle away for twelve rounds to a tense but inevitable decision.

I hope otherwise. Bradley may not be a great puncher but he is a slick boxer, much more so than Alvarado could hope to be. Bradley has a solid defense but still was on the verge of getting knocked out. I realize that this was because he made the conscious decision to trade with Ruslan to try and prove some kind of macho point. But why would you assume Alvarado would practice that much more self-control? Alvarado is a natural brawler, so at some point in the fight I expect him to make the mistake of trying to trade with the bigger puncher and get caught. Maybe not knocked out immediately, he has shown a good chin, but I see him being forced back on the ropes in around round 8 after leaving himself open, then being smothered into a TKO, much like the first Rios fight.

I this is the case (though I will say that if it goes the distance it will be a W for Alvarado) Ruslan will be walking away with a title and world of opportunity. The prospect of Ruslan is much more exciting because he will then have the ability to put his new title on the line against GBP fighter, my first choice being Lucas Matthysse (34-3, 32KO’s).

After his lose to Garcia Matthysse will be looking for a way to get back to the top, this is assuming a rematch doesn’t materialize, and what better opportunity is there?
This fight would be short and explosive, two power punchers who are desperate for recognition. The edge would have to go to Matthysse, he is more of the boxer of the two. But it would be exciting to see how the Argentine handles a fighter who could give as good as he gets. How good is Matthysse’s chin?

So who do you think would win?



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