By Yuri Tarantin
Former champion Ruslan Provodnikov (23-3, 16KOs) would like to face Brandon Rios (32-2-1, 23KOs) in a fall clash of punches. Provodnikov is already recovered, physically and mentally, from a June split decision loss to undefeated Chris Algieri. Provodnikov admits that he was properly motivated for the fight with Algieri, who prior to their match was unknown to most boxing fans. Now Algieri will face WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao on November 22nd in Macau.
"Maybe I did enough to retain the title. But why blame the judges? I have myself to blame for that defeat. I had to go out to the ring and [do the work]. And I was somehow too passive, poorly motivated, without courage. I wasn't ready to come out to the ring and die like I had been before that fight, for example, [like my fight] with Timothy Bradley, when I knew that I stood to lose a lot. It is clear from the battle with Algieri that I made certain assumptions," Provodnikov said.
A rematch with Algieri is not on Provodnikov's mind. He wants an opponent like Rios, who will stand and trade punches.
"A rematch with Algieri is not interesting to me. He doesn't want to [do it], and I don't want to. I want this fight [with Rios]. I like the [fight] with Rios. I do not need passive opponents. I need some serious opponents, and [the fight with Rios] could be a brilliant battle. I really miss fighting," Provodnikov said.
Yuri Tarantin covers boxing for Allboxing.ru.
