By Francisco Salazar

Ruslan Provodnikov is used to brutal and tough battles.

Take his close 12 round unanimous decision loss at the hands of Timothy Bradley in March of 2013. Or grinding his way to stopping Mike Alvarado after the 10th round seven months later.

Bruises, cuts over his eyes, and aching bodies are some of the battle scars Provodnikov has endured in recent fights. Then again, it all comes with the territory as a pugilist in the fight game.

There is a guarantee Provodnikov could go through all that again in his anticipated war tonight against Lucas Matthysse in their 12 round bout at the Turning Stone Casino and Resort in Verona, N.Y.

The bout will air live on HBO, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/ 6:45 p.m. PT.

Then again, Provodnikov is used to living through adversity and having to grind.

It all started while growing up in the Siberian city of Beryozovo. It was there where Provodnikov would fight on the streets as a teenager, fighting tough teenagers and young men, but also dealing with bitter cold winters.

It is a toughness few people have, which makes people wonder if Provodnikov has the mental edge over Matthysse when they square off tonight.

There is no quit in Provodnikov. Keep in mind Freddie Roach was on the verge of throwing in the towel when Bradley had the upper hand in the later rounds in their bout a couple of years ago. Provodnikov rallied, even dropping Bradley in the final round.

Gone are the cold winters. Enter the bright lights, bigger purses, and the beautiful Southern California weather.

Life is good for Provodnikov (24-3, 17 KOs).

"(When I was young), I envisioned fighting on HBO, which I thought was the mecca of boxing," Provodnikov told Boxingscene.com over the phone through manager Vadim Kornilov. "Everyone who is a young fighter wants to fight on that network. That was my motivation for me."

He faces a difficult challenge in Matthysse, a devastating puncher who knows how to box and break down his opponents.

Matthysse is a slow starter, which makes people wonder whether Provodnikov should go in for the kill early against the Argentine fighter.

"I prepared to win any which way," said Provodnikov, who is promoted by Banner Promotions. "I prepare win by decision or by knockout. He's a good, strong fighter who is dangerous. I have to be careful because he can hurt or knock you out with one punch."

Provodnikov can punch himself. The 31-year-old can hurt his opponents with either hand, but he is most effective at wearing down his opponents.

Provodnikov was not able to do so against Chris Algieri last June, when he lost a 12 round split decision, even though he dropped Algieri twice in the first round.

Algieri may have gotten the better of Provodnikov that night. The 'Russian Rocky' may have been in disbelief from the decision, but has moved on.

"I have added motivation from the Algieri fight. I'm not too worried about the fight anymore. I have to focus on what I'm doing (against Matthysse)."

Win or lose, Provodnikov has come into his own as a fighter. There are those who wonder how much more Provodnikov can bring considering he has fought in numerous wars over the last couple of years.

Saturday night should be no different. There is a likelihood brutal two-way exchanges will be the highlight between the two junior welterweights.

Can Provodnikov pull off a scintillating performance as he did against Bradley and secure a win? Don't count him out, considering fighting has been his calling ever since he would throw hands on the streets of Beryozovo, Russia.

"I'm 100 percent ready. I know I'm motivated. I will win."

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Salazar also covers boxing for the Ventura County (CA) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing