Ruslan Provodnikov became one of the most popular fighters in boxing in 2013 after a thrilling, slightly controversial fight with Timothy Bradley. He cemented his status by pummeling Mike Alvarado in "Mile High's" home town. Now, fans are clamoring for more "Siberian Rocky," but some of the big names are reluctant to face him.
Marquez says beating Provodnikov "would not gain me anything"
Juan Manuel Marquez seemed like a logical opponent, with his big name, big fight pedigree, and counterpunching style that figured to make boxing magic with Provodnikov's unrelenting aggression. Marquez wasn't interested though, instead agreeing to face Alvarado on May 17.
Prior to losing to Manny Pacquiao, Bradley also was openly reluctant to face him again, pricing himself out before negotiations could even take place. "At the time I fought him, I was in a different position than I am now. I'm looking for big fights, and I know this rematch would be a huge fan favorite or whatever," Bradley said in November.
Ruslan Provodnikov calls out Marquez
"But they're going to have to pay me a whole lot of money. They're going to have to pay me a whole lot of money to get back in the ring with that animal. That dude is a beast."
Ruslan is popular, yes, but not such a household name that a Bradley fight would generate big bucks. Now that Bradley's stock has dropped a bit however, a rematch with Provodnikov could be a star-making bonanza on HBO. Bradley would essentially be fighting for his headlining-life, as back-to-back losses to Pacman and Provodnikov could relegate him to being a high-end undercard attraction. A win for Ruslan would make him nearly impossible to ignore.
Conversely, another firefight victory by Bradley keeps him relevant in the eyes of boxing fans and the establishment. It counts as a big win over a quality opponent, and would likely allow him to chase more titles going forward.
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