Ruslan Provodnikov (23-2-0, 16 KO), the "Siberian Rocky," will defend his WBO light welterweight title in Brooklyn's Barclays Center against undefeated Chris Algieri (19-0-0, 8 KO) on HBO at 10:00 p.m. Live stream the fight card free by clicking this link.
Provodnikov has captured the hearts of boxing fans all over the world with his reckless, brawling style. In his last two fights he nearly beat a then-undefeated Timothy Bradley in his first fight after beating Manny Pacquiao, then bludgeoned Mike Alvarado in his hometown of Denver.
Provodnikov's style and power make him one of the sport's most avoided men, but he's hoping an impressive win tonight will put him in line for those big money bouts. The humble Provodnikov claims it doesn't matter to him though whether he gets ducked or not.
It does not bother me. I'm very loyal to my space in life, and Chris is a great opponent. This is what happened, and this is the way it should have been. I know my time will come." He had tried to put together a matchup with Juan Manuel Marquez, as both had suffered losses to Bradley, but Marquez's team didn't see the allure in facing a dangerous slugger with a still-small fan base. Marquez instead fought Alvarado, and that win may have catapulted him into the Manny Pacquiao sweepstakes.
Provodnikov is also in those sweepstakes apparently, and would accept the fight despite the knowledge if he faces Pacman he loses Freddie Roach as a trainer for the matchup.
"I still don't really have interest in that fight, but his manager came begging to me to make it happen, and I asked Ruslan, 'Do you really want to make that fight happen? You're going to lose me as a trainer, and have a slim chance of winning,'" Roach said. "Ruslan said, 'Well, we need big fights like that.' I said, 'If you want it, I'll give it to you.'"
Algieri does enter the ring as the undefeated fighter, and his potshot style could frustrate Ruslan. However, the Siberian thinks his will to win will carry him. "If I have to die in the ring to win, that is what I will do," Provodnikov said through interpreter and manager Vadim Kornilov. "Is Algieri willing to do the same? He had better or he will not defeat me."
Algieri doesn't seem to think it'll get that dire though. "Ruslan has this great power in his punches, but if you can't land them, the power really doesn't matter," Algieri said. "I have been preparing for the power by not getting hit. I am not much into predictions, but all I can say on Saturday, 'And the new ...'"
Prediction: Provodnikov by TKO Round 8
Provodnikov will stalk Algieri nonstop, whose jabs and dancing will frustrate Ruslan initially. Provodnikov will eventually tire Algieri out, pound away at his body, and hurt him badly at some point. Once Algieri's movement is slowed, it will be a matter of how long the referee allows the fight to last.
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