Arum Discusses Bradley-Marquez, Alvarado-Provodnikov

By Luis Sandoval

Top Rank founder and CEO Bob Arum was on hand at the  Zou Shiming media workout today as he will be returning to Macao, China July 27th to put on another international card. Arum also has other dealings he is currently trying to sort out with a fight that’s in the midst of being made and another one that appeared to hit a snag.

Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez went face to face for the first time last month at their Beverly Hills, CA press conference to officially announce their fight. During the conference it was revealed that VADA and USADA would not be conducting the random style drug testing that was agreed upon by both fighters and instead the NSAC (Nevada State Athletic Commission) would be handling.

This did not sit well with Bradley who informed it was stated in his contract that testing would be administered by either VADA or USADA. Since then, it appears things may be smoothed out and the testing will go on without either testing organization.
“I believe they worked it out where the Nevada Commission would do Olympic drug testing on both fighters and paid by the promoter Top Rank. And I think both fighters are satisfied with that” Arum would tell BoxingScene.
“Remember, it’s the collection of the samples so the idea of VADA, USADA; that's all nonsense. It doesn't mean anything. The Nevada commission believes that they can have personnel to go and conduct the tests in Mexico and California”.
One other snag was Marquez’s insistence that if he agreed to random style drug testing, then Bradley had to agree to a rehydration clause where Bradley would not be able to gain more than 10 pounds after the official weigh in. When Arum was asked if Marquez had discussed this issue with him and if it would be a problem, Arum gave a simple response.
“It’s just nonsense.”
Another fight Arum is currently trying to put together is between WBO Junior Welterweight champion Mike Alvarado and Ruslan Provodnikov. BoxingScene’s Rick Reeno previously reported that Provodnikov had agreed to all terms and was just waiting on Alvarado to sign. Arum informed things are looking good and they will try to finalize the fight next week when they will sit down with Alvarado.
“[Artie] Pelullo has told me that Provodnikov has agreed and we are 100% with Artie. As far as Alvarado, you have to understand that he's never been in this situation before. Nobody has even talked to him about money. So we're meeting with him on Monday and hopefully we'll get it done” informed Arum.
Arum confirmed the fight would take place in Alvarado’s hometown on Denver, CO and the fight would take place at 140lbs.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @Truewest007. You can also tune in to BoxingScene Radio, Boxingscene’s official audio show every Tuesday from 6-8PM PST with hosts Ernest Gabion, Luis Sandoval, and Ryan Burton.