Provodnikov vs. DeMarco in Play For June Showdown?

By Salvador Rodriguez

According to sources in Mexico, former WBC lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco is being mentioned as a potential opponent for WBO junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov. The Siberian champion's return is being targeted for June 14th on HBO. Provodnikov (23-2, 16KOs) had hoped to fight Brandon Rios, but there are issues with the weight as Rios is unable to get to 140-pounds. DeMarco (30-3-1, 23 KOs), now competing at 140-pounds, is looking to secure a major title shot.

The only problem in making Provodnikov-DeMarco, if there is one, is that both fighters are trained by Freddie Roach - an issue which also came up when Provodnikov was being pursued to fight Manny Pacquiao in April.