Provodnikov on Showtime Move: Glad Someone Believes in Me!

By Ryan Burton

Earlier today in an article written by BoxingScene's Jake Donovan, it was revealed that former WBO super lightweight champion Ruslan "Siberian Rocky" Provodnikov ;25-4) was moving to Showtime. His first bout on the premium channel will take place on June 11th at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York. His opponent will be the hard hitting John Molina Jr (28-6).

The details behind the move were further detailed in BoxingScene's Steve Kim's article with quotes from Provodnikov's promoter Artie Pellulo. 

Provodnikov last fought in November in Monte Carlo when he dispatched the unheralded Jesus Rodriguez in 4 rounds.

The 32-year-old Provodnikov has had difficulty getting back on HBO, the network that has televised his biggest fights and is thrilled with the new opportunity on Showtime.

"I am glad that someone believes in me and appreciates what I do in the ring!" Provodnikov told BoxingScene.com.

"I will continue to give 100% in the ring as I always have.  Showtime has made the right decision in treating me as the fighter I am and not just an opponent and I will never let them or my fans down!

Provodnikov's manager Vadim Kornilov is fully onboard with the change and also cited the difficulty in getting the all-action fighter on American airwaves.

"We have not had a date in the U.S. in the last year. Not since his fight with ( Lucas) Matthysse which was one of the highest rated fights on a premium network as well as a Fight of the Year candidate," said Kornilov.

Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter