By Chris Williams: #3 WBO welterweight contender Ruslan Provodnikov (22-2, 15 KO’s) is holding out hope that WBO 147 lb. champion Tim Bradley (30-0, 12 KO’s) will decide on facing him next as he’s recovered from their March 16th fight that Bradley won by a 12 round unanimous decision.
Provodnikov, 29, is willing to wait to get that fight again so that he can attempt to avenge the defeat and capture Bradley’s WBO welterweight title.
Provodnikov said to thaboxingvoice.com “For me rematch is the number 1 on my priority, I’m ready to fight him whenever. I know he needs some time to recover but I’m ready.”
I think Provodnikov needs to speak with Bob Arum, the promoter of Bradley, because Arum has already said there won’t be an immediate rematch. He wants to put Bradley in bigger fights against the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez or Brandon Rios. Arum hinted that he might put Provodnikov in with Mike Alvarado.