By Steve Kim
Manager Vadim Kornilov is best known for handling the careers of former world champions Ruslan Provodnikov (25-5, 18 KOs) and Victor Postol (28-1, 12 KOs), who both of whom lost their only bouts in 2016.
Last week Kornilov said of Provodnikov - who was out-pointed by John Molina on June 11th, 2016 - "I think he's just enjoying his time in politics, he's in Congress, he's a deputy."
"He got more votes than any other deputy when he was getting elected back in September. He's enjoying that but as far as whether he's retired or not, I think it's on the borderline. He's still considering offers."
So for the time being he is a politician in his native land in Russia and if he doesn't fight at all in 2017, should he be considered a retired prizefighter?
Kornilov state - "If he doesn't fight by the end of the year, I would probably say yes."
The manager did add - "We're getting some offers but nothing serious."
As for the Ukrainian-born Postol, who lost WBC title in a unification with WBO champion Terrence Crawford in the headline bout of an HBO Pay-Per-View event last July 23 - "Right now we're just waiting to see what Top Rank will offer us. Top Rank is still involved with Postol as a co-promoter. We've done great business together so far. I'm happy with everything, it's been a great relationship and a great experience and I just want to see what happens next.
"I've been waiting for Top Rank to hear if they can get him another fight."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.