Provodnikov: Alvarado Will Box, But a War Will Break Out!

By Ryan Burton

On October 19th, WBO interim junior welterweight champion Mike Alvarado (34-1) will defend his title against top contender Ruslan Provodnikov (22-2). The 29-year-old Provodnikov is currently training in Hollywood, CA under the watchful eye of renown trainer Freddie Roach who is also currently training former three-division champion Miguel Cotto for his October 5th fight against Delvin Rodriguez. 

Provodnikov said that his training camp is coming along perfectly and praised Cotto for his work ethic. 

"Everything is going great and by the plan.  I can't wait until the fight.

"(Cotto) and I have been training together. He is a great fighter. He trains very hard and is probably one of the hardest workers I've seen in the gym," stated Provodnikov.

The fight against Alvarado will take place in the high altitude of Denver, Colo. Provodnikov said said that he will head to the Mile City earlier than he typically would for a fight to help get adjusted.
 
"I will be in Denver ahead of the time to make sure that I have plenty of time to adjust.  We are also doing some weekly high altitude training just for mental confidence. My team is taking care of all this for me," Provodnikov told BoxingScene.com.

Alvarado was stopped in 7 rounds last October against Brandon Rios.  The 33-year-old was able to make the necessary adjustments to come out with the victory in their March rematch.  Provodnikov expects to see the version of Alvarado that boxed instead of traded punches, when they step in the ring.

"I definitely think he will try to move and box me more, but I hope that he will also be ready to fight because it will happen and that's when all the excitement will begin for the fans," Provodnikov stated.

In closing I asked Provodnikov to compare his power to Rios' power and I asked him if he thinks that Alvarado will be able to withstand his punches.

"We will see in the fight.  Until the fight happens no one knows," stated the Russian.

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