By Steve Kim
With the proposed fight between Tim Bradley and Brandon Rios falling apart, there is a lot of talk surrounding a potential clash between Rios and Ruslan Provodnikov. This match-up would be a cant-miss in terms of action.
But what are the realistic possibilities of this taking place?
Currently, 'Bam Bam' needs a dance partner and Provodnikov and his team have yearned for this fight.
Artie Pelullo, the head of Banner Promotions, which handles the Russian's career told BoxingScene.com - "We're working on a fight for Ruslan for October the 24th in (Moscow) Russia - that is 100% the truth."
Last November, Provodnikov faced the faded Jose Luis Castillo in his home country in a stay-busy bout.
"He is such a popular fighter in his own country that we have options and he can make great paydays in Moscow and not sit around waiting for any popular fighter," said the veteran promoter.
As it relates to the possibility of a Rios fight, Pelullo stated:
"Listen, everything is possible in life. Like my mother always said,'everything is probable, everything is possible.' But do I think it's going to happen? No, I do not. Is it possible? Of course it's possible." He would later add,"about six to eight weeks ago, Bob Arum and I had a discussion that the fight was not possible so we moved on. Now that Rios and Bradley is not happening, we're still down the other path."
When asked if HBO was part of Provodnikov's future, Pelullo answered - "That's up to HBO."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.