By Yannis Mihanos: Ruslan Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KO’s), the WBO light-welterweight titleholder, will be meeting New York native and former successful kick boxer Chris Algieri (19-0, 8 KO’s) in a title defense at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Algieri stands on his way of signing a possible lucrative deal with the people’s favorite WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao next November. Provodnikov was previously a sparring partner for Pacquiao in the past.
Provodnikov, 30, is a real tougher fighter. He likes to both give and take a lot of punches, to give and take punishment.
On his 2013 candidate for “Fight of the Year,” Provodnikov brought Tim Bradley on his knees in the 12th round, and left him concussed from power punches before losing to a very narrow points decision. In October 2013, Provodnikov literally destroyed Mike Alvarado by a 10th round stoppage.
Provodnikov possess brute strength and fights until death. His style excites the raw boxing fans. He adores trading punches and he has proved time and time again that he is one hell of a fighter.
There is certainly an audience for him in America and everywhere else.
With the fifth fight between Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez still on hold because of Marquez’s reluctance to take the fight and his demands, Provodnikov appears ready to take the challenge and fight Pacquiao.
Freddie Roach is the mutual trainer for both Provodnikov and Pacquiao. With Freddie on his side, Ruslan has learnt a lot and improved a lot. But if he agrees to fight Pacquiao, then he and Roach will have to part ways.
Roach has made it no secret about who he will support and fully train in this case, and that will be Pacquiao.
This will be Ruslan’s best opportunity for real stardom. Against Pacquiao, it would be a great opportunity indeed.
But is this a nightmare scenario for Pacquiao? As it is certain that Provodnikov will make no favors (He’s no longer sparring partner) and will not be an easy fight for Pacquiao.
“Let’s bring it on” is what Manny often says when reporters challenge him to fight somebody.
Since there was never the chance of backing down from a fight Pacquiao might as well agree to the fight.
Fear is one thing that Pacquiao has never been accused of. He has never evicted or shied away from tough fights and that’s why people respect him so much.
Yes, it might be that Pacquiao’s killer instinct is gone, and yes, he might also not be the same fighter as he was 10 years ago, but he’s still not scared of anyone. He still accepts any challenges from anybody. That’s his attitude, and that’s what has made him so popular with the world.
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