By Chris Williams: Russian born Ruslan Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KO’s) is saying he believes he could be next for the Filipino star Manny Pacquiao’s next fight on April 12th. Provodnikov, 29, isn’t saying he thinks he’ll be getting the fight. It could be that WBO welterweight champion Tim Bradley is asking for too much in his negotiations for a Pacquiao rematch.
Bradley is likely Bob Arum’s choice for Pacquiao to fight next because he’s not nearly as dangerous due to his lack of power. The only thing that Pacquiao needs to worry about in a rematch against Bradley is to be in good shape so that he can cut off the ring for 12 rounds to force Bradley to exchange with him. Provodnikov, with his big power, is a whole different story. He hits a lot harder, he’s capable of knocking Pacquiao out cold and finishing his career with a single shot.
“Chances are good that we will meet with Pacquiao April 12, 2014,” Provodnikov said via Allboxing.ru. “I originally did not want to fight with the Filipino . Still, we both trained under the guidance of Freddie Roach. Then, while on vacation in the resort, I think carefully about the situation. And I decided that if fate gives me a chance then you need to use it. Refuse to fight with great boxer stupid.”
Provodnikov is the far better choice than a rematch between Pacquiao and Bradley. If the objective is to entertain fans, then Provodnikov is the far better choice. A Pacquiao-Provodnikov would be fireworks from start to finish, and the chances are good that one of these two fighters would be left on the canvas and counted out.
Provodnikov has worked as a sparring partner in the past for Pacquiao, and the two were known to have to huge wars. The Russian fighter was one of the few sparring partners that was able to solve Pacquiao’s style and get the better of him during a lot of the exchanges. Of course, it’s a different story when it’s the real thing with the head gear off in a real boxing match, so it’s difficult to make any assumptions about who would win.
If the Pacquiao vs. Provodnikov fight takes place, it’ll likely happen at 147. I doubt that Pacquiao is interested in fighting for Provodnikov’s WBO light welterweight title.
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