By Yuri Tarantin

In a recent interview with BoxingScene.com's Chris Robinson, WBA/IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin stated that WBO 140-pound king Ruslan Provodnikov had absolutely "no chance" to defeat eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao, who returns on April 12th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Provodnikov is one the two fighters being considered to face Pacquiao on the April date.

"I know Ruslan and I respect him, but I think he is nothing for Manny. He is nothing. He don't have a chance with Manny. No chance. This is boxing, you know...I think he would be no problem for Manny," Golovkin said.

Provodnikov's manager, Vadim Kornilov, reacted to the comments from Golovkin.

"We are very respectful to the fact that our friend Gennady Golovkin shared his opinion about Ruslan's chances against Manny Pacquiao. Let's agree to differ. Although, in my opinion, any professional knows that in boxing there is always a chance [to win]," Kornilov said.

Yuri Taranin covers boxing for Allboxing.ru