In 2013 Ruslan Provodnikov, the "Siberian Rocky," went from being an anonymous brawler to one of boxing's most exciting attractions after a close fight with Timothy Bradley in which he nearly stopped the No. 3 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, followed by a victory over a hometown fighter in Mike Alvarado.
Now, he's angling for a huge fight with Juan Manuel Marquez. If the old boxing adage "styles make fights" is true, then Provodnikov vs. Marquez would be a treat. "Dinamita" is known as one of the greatest counter-punchers the sweet science has ever seen, while Ruslan is a straight-ahead power puncher, willing to take several shots in order to land a few knockout blows.
"I am a great aggressor and brawler. Marquez is a great counter-puncher," said Provodnikov. "This fight would be dangerous for both of us. I would have to be careful with my aggression more that in my previous fights. "
According to Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, though, that fight isn't likely to happen. "Marquez is a pay per view fighter. If Provodnikov wants to fight Marquez, then who is going to finance the fight?" Arum asked. "Marquez is going to want Marquez money, and for Marquez-Provodnikov, there is a limited number that it would do on pay per view. If Artie says, Provodnikov wants to fight Marquez, then fine. Who is coming up with the money?"
Provodnikov was previously opposed to fighting Manny Pacquiao, in what surely would be a war of epic proportions, because they shared Freddie Roach as a trainer. Ruslan softened that stance recently, saying he's willing to fight Pacman. Still, he prefers to face Marquez, and keep Roach in his corner.
"In this fight, mental factors would play a big role. I would have my trainer Freddie Roach in the other corner," said Provodnikov, of a bout against Pacquiao. "I've said before I never wanted to take a fight without him, and now he's on the other side of the ring. Manny and I would have a great fight. I think that's why everybody wants to see it. It's a dangerous fight for both of us."
A rematch with Bradley is something fans would surely like to see, but Provodnikov believes it is extremely unlikely that Bradley would want to face him again. "I think it can happen in the future, but I think it would have to be [either] a lot of money for Timothy, or if he's left with no other options but to fight me."
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