By Radio Rahim
Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum would like to see Ruslan Provodnikov (23-3, 16KOs) in a lucrative opportunity against a fighter in his stable, but says his promoter, Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions, is very difficult to deal with.
Provodnikov has voiced his anger over being unable to secure fights against Tim Bradley, Carlos Abregu, Jessie Vargas and Brandon Rios - who are all promoted by Top Rank. Because of his inability to secure any of those fighters, the "Siberian Rocky" has been forced to book a November return date in Moscow, Russia.
Arum, in not so many words, says Pelullo is looking for too much money from the overall financial package.
"The problem is, it's been difficult dealing with his promoter. I don't think his promoter has done him any favors. Ruslan is a very, very crowd-pleasing guy and I think there are a lot of spots where he would figure. But the promoter has to realize that people are paying the fighter, and they are not paid so that he puts a lot of money in his [own] pocket," Arum told BoxingScene.com.
