By Reynaldo Sanchez

BoxingScene.com sat down with dangerous junior welterweight contender Lucas Matthysse and his coach Luis "Cuty" Barrera, to discuss the upcoming showdown on April 18th against powerful puncher Ruslan Provodnikov in an HBO televised fight from the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona NY.

BoxingScene.com: Definitely a tough fight for Lucas, have you added something new in training for this fight against Provodnikov?

Barrera: We are working well and focused on the fight of April 18. We are well on the road.

BoxingScene.com: Lucas has more experience on paper. Are you going to NY with the mindset of winning by KO or expect to win by points?

LB: We think we'll win either way, knockout or points but we will win this fight. Lucas is stronger, faster and has better aim. We hope that Lucas does what he always does to finish this fight.

BoxingScene.com: Some coaches believe that fights are won in the gym. Are you working with someone like Provodnikov in Argentina?

LB: We had many sparring partners in Argentina like Provodnikov; Ruslan's style is no surprise to us. The only [fighter's style] which comes as a surprise in this world is Floyd Mayweather, because nobody has a resemblance to him.

BoxingScene.com: Journalists and fans believe that this could be the fight of the year, if Matthysse enters inside for a war with Provodnikov. Do you think it a good idea to make that kind of fight?

LB: I think not. Lucas will make his fight. We will see Lucas work with his boxing, because he's not just a puncher. If Ruslan comes looking [for a war] he will find Matthysse's boxing ability. Lucas is a great fighter not only a great puncher.

BoxingScene.com: How do you see this fight and what is the likely outcome in your opinion?

LB: When we fought with Ortiz and Molina, we prepared for their styles - but it seems when they had Lucas in front of them they were forced to make last minute changes.

RS: Lucas, how do you think you must fight to defeat Provodnikov?

LM: We're prepared for whatever presents itself that night. We will be well prepared and have a good strategy.

BoxingScene.com: If you beat Provodnikov, would you like to face the winner of the fight between Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson?

LM: Of course, if they give us the opportunity...then certainly yes. I hope to continue in this weight class. I do not know what can happen next. I wish to have a chance at a world title or a major fight.

BoxingScene.com: Will you keep to 140 or think about going up to 147 if you can beat Provodnikov?

LM: I think that in 2015 we will be at 140, and in 2016 I will try to test my hand at welterweight and see how it goes at 147.

BoxingScene.com: Terence Crawford and Dulorme will fight soon, have you thought about the possibility of facing the winner of that fight?

LM: Of course I hope to get out of this fight and see what opponents we can get.

BoxingScene.com: Any chance of seeing you against Adrien Broner in the future?

LM: Depends on the outcome of this fight. I think it would be a good fight against Broner.

BoxingScene.com: What can we expect from this fight against Provodnikov?

LM: It will be a good fight. Provodnikov is a great fighter, he attacks and we must be well prepared to give everyone a great fight.

BoxingScene.com: Finally, could give us a prediction on the outcome of the fight against Provodnikov?

LM: Surely I will win. I have confidence in myself. Whenever I go to United States, I go to secure another victory. That will be the result and I hope to see you there.