Why not Provodnikov?

By mattconan - 03/16/2014 - Comments

provodnikov5By Matt Wood: While we look forward to April 12 as the day that brings us closure on Manny Pacquiao, Tim Bradley, and the most controversial decision in recent memory, Top Rank has already put together the next challenge for whoever comes out on top between their two welterweight workhorses.

Juan Manuel Marquez and Mike Alvarado will be in the ring together on May 17 at a catchweight of 143 pounds with the victor facing the winner of Pacquioa-Bradley 2. Those of us familiar with Top Rank’s stable of fighters in the junior-welterweight and welterweight divisions might see this as a fairly logical development, but I have one question for which I can’t find an easy answer: why is Ruslan Provodnikov not in the mix?

With all due respect to Mike Alvarado, in a more just world it would be Provodnikov taking on Marquez instead of the Denver native. Provodnikov is coming off the biggest win of his career over none other than Alvarado himself. Their fight last October was close until it wasn’t. After 7 rounds of back and forth action, Provodniko took complete control before stopping Alvarado on the stool after the 10th. He proved himself the stronger fighter. Unlike Brandon Rios’ stoppage of Alvarado the first time they met back in 2012, I doubt Alvarado will be asking for a rematch with Provodnikov anytime soon.

To me that’s reason enough for the Siberian Rocky to be in line for the chance to face the winner of Pacquiao-Bradley, but beyond that fighter-to-fighter basis, I think Provodnikov-Marquez makes more sense for both Ruslan and Mike and their long-term careers.

There’s not much left for Ruslan to do at 140 where he has a belt. His first title defense is scheduled for June 14th, but who is he going to fight that’s worthy of a title shot? A fight with Brandon Rios would be about as fan-friendly as it can get, but Bob Arum has publicly stated that he doubts Rios can make 140. Antonio DeMarco’s name has been floated around, as well as Hank Lundy’s. Karim Mayfield would be a good test, but he already has a bout scheduled with Thomas Dulorme on March 29 and probably wouldn’t take a fight of this magnitude with such a quick turnaround. I think Provodnikov could stay at the top of the heap of the Top Rank stable at 140 for quite some time, but there’s an absence of fighters there at his level.

Beyond that, he’s proven that he’s cable of competing with welterweights, and has expressed interest in moving up for the right fights. He fought Tim Bradley at welterweight in their fantastic clash in 2012, and deserves a rematch. He’s also called out Juan Marquez repeatedly and asked for a title fight specifically at 147. I can’t blame him for wanting some big names on his plate.

 As for Alvarado, I like the fighter, but I don’t like his chances against Marquez. If the Mexican can stop Alvarado, Mike will have losses in 3 of his last 4 outings. Also, why have the fight at a catchweight? The winner will be going after Bradley’s WBO welterweight title. Why not have the fight at a legitimate welterweight 147? I know sometimes catchweights are implemented when fighters move up in weight, but does Team Alvarado think making 143 will really take anything out of Marquez? He’s fought at light welterweight as recently as 2012 against Serhiy Fedchenko, and since this is a direct path to a welterweight belt, how about we keep it simple and stick to the welterweight 147?

Alvarado’s been in a lot of savage fights lately, and he’s 33. Now that he doesn’t have a belt, give the man a competitive fight that’s not a war. Juan Manuel Marquez will have something to prove after struggling with the elusive, quick footed Bradley, and I think his right hand will be tough for Mike to avoid. With that said, a lot of fans hope Mike pulls off the upset so we won’t have to face yet another Marquez-Pacquiao fight.

The only item that comes to mind for omitting Provodnikov from the action at 147 is his friendship with Manny Pacquiao. I don’t have any inside information on this point, but it’s likely an issue.  Freddie Roach has expressed reservations, which is no small thing due to his strong relationships with both fighters.  I understand the hesitancy that comes with fighting someone you’ve sparred with and supported, but if this really is an obstacle Provodnikov should realize his career could suffer due to it. I’d like to think that the two can fight and still maintain their friendship. It’s been done before.

Let’s hope that Top Rank has a game plan for getting the Russian in the mix at 147. Until then, it could be deja vu all over again if Bradley somehow loses, with all roads leading once again towards Pacquiao-Marquez.



Comments are closed.