On Saturday Lucas "The Machine" Matthysse, one of boxing's most prolific knockout artists and popular fighters, will step in the ring with another fan-favorite, Ruslan "Siberian Rocky" Provodnikov. Both men hit with force, and like to slug it out. Matthysse has more pedigree, but Provodnikov has said he is literally willing to die in the ring.
Here are the three ways Matthysse can overcome Provodnikov.
Box Him
Matthysse is the longer-armed fighter of the two, and despite a well-earned reputation as a warrior inside the ring, Matthysse is not exactly a stranger to the canvas. None of his three losses came by way of knockout--in fact, two of them were by controversial split decisions--but he was knocked down twice against John Molina Jr., who has lost three straight fights.
Provodnikov hits at least as hard as Molina Jr., and is capable of withstanding severe punishment. In his fight against Timothy Bradley in 2013, Provodnikov looked his worst when Bradley kept a distance and boxed him.
Despite landing harder, cleaner shots on Chris Algieri in Brooklyn last summer he was on the wrong side of a split decision because Algieri maneuvered around him and landed with more volume.
Matthysse is NOT Algieri, but he has more skill than he's given credit for. If he uses his three-inch reach advantage, he can better avoid a one-punch stunner.
Always Move Forward
This seems like blatant, lazy advice. Since when does Matthysse not move forward? It's worth mentioning against Provodnikov though, because he too applies relentless pressure. Both men cannot go forward at the same time. Matthysse can't allow himself to be backed up, because he isn't proficient enough defensively to keep from getting tagged and hurt.
Matthysse has to push forward--and work on his jab to throw Provodnikov off course--if he wants to dictate the distance. Matthysse is known for throwing mostly power punches, but a jab can seal the deal for him against such a one-track opponent.
Work Provodnikov's Body Early
Just look at this perfect body shot Matthysse landed on Roberto Ortiz, his most recent knockout victim and one who was previously undefeated.
Provodnikov is all about momentum. He comes forward, he takes your best shot, and then he smiles like a madman and pounds you. This was how he beat "Mile High" Mike Alvarado in Denver, and it was before Alvarado was shopworn to the point of being outclassed by Brandon Rios. All Provodnikov's opponents look like they lost, regardless of the outcome.
The only way to slow him down will be to punish his body. Matthysse has top-flight thunder in his hands, so maybe he will have enough to knock out Provodnikov with a head shot. No one should rule that out. But using that power for body shots early one will remove the steam from Provodnikov's offense, even if it fails to slow his pace.
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