Provodnikov Jumps From Roach To Joel Diaz - Photos

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Last week Vadim Kornilov, manager of former super lightweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov (24-4, 17KOs), advised BoxingScene.com that discussions were underway for Joel Diaz to train his fighter. A deal has been reached an a new training alliance has been formed.

Diaz trains several fighters and recently parted ways with two-division champion Tim Bradley, who is now being trained by Teddy Atlas. Provdonikov faced Bradley (when Diaz had him) in 2013 in a Fight of The Year battle.

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Provodnikov was previously trained by Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

Provodnikov last fought in April when he lost a close majority decision to Lucas Matthysse in an HBO televised headliner.

He hopes to return to the ring in November or December in what is being billed as his Showtime televised debut, but so far he has been rebuffed by Amir Khan and Top Rank has rejected offers for him to face Bradley in a rematch, Brandon Rios and Terence Crawford.

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aboutfkntimeTue Oct 6, 2015, 10:44 PM UTC

Provodnikov and Postol are childhood friends. Postol said the fight against Matthysee was revenge for Provo. This move is not to set up Provo vs Postol. It's like what everyone already said; for Provo to get a full time coach and attention. But of those two guys, Postol is more likely to succeed if matched wisely.

BuckToothedTue Oct 6, 2015, 10:07 PM UTC

Ah, NO. Now that Provodnikov has left Roach, Provo/Postol fight can be made. I'd predict a Provo KO, simply because there's no way Postol could keep Provo off him for 12 rounds. Provodnikov and Postol are childhood friends. Postol said the fight against Matthysee was revenge for Provo. This move is not to set up Provo vs Postol. It's like what everyone already said; for Provo to get a full time coach and attention.

SouthpawologyTue Oct 6, 2015, 8:50 PM UTC

bradley goes to teddy and ruslan goes to diaz...talk about a plot twist wow

aboutfkntimeTue Oct 6, 2015, 7:36 PM UTC

Interesting... Maybe good fit for Ruslan. He needs some kind of defensive and lateral movement to progress. I like Roach, but he can only make a front foot fighter more aggressive. Ruslan needs to be a bit more selective and versatile. I see this situation similar to Garcia/Maidana. Its about fine-tuning, a smart coach wont change much, he will make little suggestions/changes to help Ruslan fight to his style better. Teach him when not to load up, little defensive techniques after punching, not overcommiting, sharpen up his footwork, etc. Roach was likely fine for Provodnikovs style, he just cant commit to Ruslan the same way he can for other fighters.

aboutfkntimeTue Oct 6, 2015, 7:31 PM UTC

Ah, NO. Now that Provodnikov has left Roach, Provo/Postol fight can be made. I'd predict a Provo KO, simply because there's no way Postol could keep Provo off him for 12 rounds. Postol outclasses Provodnikov like Bradley should have.

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