By Ben Jacobs
Fans are anticipating an exciting clash between Lucas Matthysse (36-3, 34 KOs) and Ruslan Provodnikov (24-3, 17 KOs), two of the sports most entertaining performers who both possess a knockout punch. The bout was originally planned for March but will now take place on April 18 in Verona, New York. Following the fight’s official announcement, BoxingScene contacted Mario Arano, manager of Lucas Matthysse for his reaction to the forthcoming encounter and his thoughts on the man from Russia who will be opposing his main charge.
BoxingScene: What is your opinion of Ruslan Provodnikov as a fighter?
Mario Arano: Well, he's a fighter at the world class level, he has shown that by being a world champion with the WBO. Also he is accepted as such by the press and American television which is no small thing. I consider him at this current time to be one of the best at 140lbs.
BoxingScene: What did you make of Provodnikov's last two bouts?
Mario Arano: José Luis Castillo was one of the best fighters in the weight divisions below 140, but now he is closer to retiring than anything else. I say that with respect. As for his fight against Chris Algieri, it was very close. I'm not a judge but this is a subjective sport and it was very even.
BoxingScene: Could he be the most dangerous opponent of Lucas Matthysse's career?
Mario Arano: He's a strong fighter, tough, but he's not superior to Matthysse. If nothing strange happens Matthysse should beat him. That's why he took the fight. It is a hard fight for both men, but I consider my boxer, after fighting the likes of Judah, Alexander, Peterson and Soto to be superior. We shouldn't have trouble beating Provodnikov.
BoxingScene: Lucas's trainer, 'Cuty' Barrera has always told me that Lucas is a better boxer than a puncher. Do you feel he will have to box more against someone like Provodnikov?
Mario Arano: Lucas hasn't touched the sky yet in regards to what he can do. He is a complete fighter and he will surprise people. He is the hardest puncher at 140lbs but it's not only that. He is a very good boxer. I think it will be very good for the fans watching and we are very grateful and thankful that HBO will be screening this fight, and also that Provodnikov and his promoter have made this fight. People have wanted to see it for a couple of years. We accepted this challenge without any problems.
BoxingScene: Does the location of the fight matter that much? Some people wanted it to be in California.
Mario Arano: We don't mind where the fight is, we fought away from home various times. I think that when you have someone at the level of Lucas, when the bell rings it's just the two men in there and those are the only people that matter. Everywhere is the same, whether it's New York or Atlantic City or somewhere else.
BoxingScene: Could it be the fight of the year?
Mario Arano: A lot of people are saying that. I think it will be Matthysse's fight of the year! Danny García had a lot of luck against us. He doesn't want to fight us again even though we are anxious for that rematch. He is doing everything he can to make sure it doesn’t happen, now he's fighting Peterson at 143lbs.
I have no doubt that Lucas is going to knock Provodnikov out in 8-10 rounds, I have absolutely no doubt about that at all. The only doubt I have is whether it's a KO or a technical knock out. It's a fight that doesn't need titles. Danny García is now having his second fight in a row which is not at 140lbs. The WBC didn't approve his last fight as a title defence due to the quality of the opponent and the laws of the WBC state that he should be stripped of the title now. We are pleased at their decision to make Matthysse the mandatory after García fights Viktor Postol, that is great. But that could happen in 2016! But it shows how good this fight is that HBO are showing it without a title currently being on the line.
