By Jake Donovan - Tim Bradley didn’t seem to care about having to move up in weight to face Manny Pacquiao, and that came at a time when Pacquiao was universally recognized as one of the two best fighters in the world.
Even with a win over Pacquiao, Bradley isn’t regarded as one of the two best fighters in the world. He’s barely even regarded as the true winner of that fight. Even in accepting the win, the move up in weight to tackle a fighter in his element is hardly unprecedented.
Ruslan Provodnikov has one eye on such history as he climbs the scales for this weekend’s title challenge against Bradley.
The fight marks a series of firsts for the Russian contender – his first title shot, first ever appearance on HBO and first fight at welterweight in well over two years as his career has been largely spent campaigning in the super lightweight division. He has all of the reason to be worried, but has nary a care in the world heading into this weekend’s festivities.
“I think everything is going to be fine. The training camp is great and I feel great at 147,” Provodnikov (22-1, 15KO) said earlier in the month regarding this weekend’s bout, which airs live from Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif (Saturday, HBO, 10:15PM ET/7:15PM PT). “I do weigh a little more and it is easier now than it normally is at this time two weeks out.”
Provodnikov was well on target to make weight at last check – 153 lb. with still 10 days to go. Also aiding his cause this weekend is a full training camp under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach. This fight will mark Provodnikov’s fourth fight under Roach’s tutelage, but just the first time the trainer will actually be able to serve instructions on fight night. [Click Here To Read More]
Even with a win over Pacquiao, Bradley isn’t regarded as one of the two best fighters in the world. He’s barely even regarded as the true winner of that fight. Even in accepting the win, the move up in weight to tackle a fighter in his element is hardly unprecedented.
Ruslan Provodnikov has one eye on such history as he climbs the scales for this weekend’s title challenge against Bradley.
The fight marks a series of firsts for the Russian contender – his first title shot, first ever appearance on HBO and first fight at welterweight in well over two years as his career has been largely spent campaigning in the super lightweight division. He has all of the reason to be worried, but has nary a care in the world heading into this weekend’s festivities.
“I think everything is going to be fine. The training camp is great and I feel great at 147,” Provodnikov (22-1, 15KO) said earlier in the month regarding this weekend’s bout, which airs live from Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif (Saturday, HBO, 10:15PM ET/7:15PM PT). “I do weigh a little more and it is easier now than it normally is at this time two weeks out.”
Provodnikov was well on target to make weight at last check – 153 lb. with still 10 days to go. Also aiding his cause this weekend is a full training camp under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach. This fight will mark Provodnikov’s fourth fight under Roach’s tutelage, but just the first time the trainer will actually be able to serve instructions on fight night. [Click Here To Read More]
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