Team Provodnikov Hope For Matthysse or Pacquiao Next

By Yuri Tarantin

According to manager Vadim Kornilov, former WBO junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov (24-3, 17KOs) is looking to return against either Lucas Matthysse or WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao.

Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes Matthysse, is talking with Banner Promotions to get a fight with Provodnikov. Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum is also considering Provodnikov as an opponent for Pacquiao.

"Ruslan has several options. Matthysse and his team have already said that they are willing to fight. To us, this fight has been very interesting for a long time. We are carrying out very tight negotiations with them on this fight. Perhaps it could be held in late March. Also, Manny Pacquiao's promoter has said that Ruslan should be considered as a frontrunner opponent. However, right now everything is unclear, but likely it's going to be one of these two opponents. The fight with Ruslan is scheduled for late March or early April," said Kornilov.

Kornilov also talked about the prospects of a Russian Egor Mehontseva acting light heavyweight. "Egor arrived two days ago in Los Angeles, begins training with Freddie Roach just the other day. The exact date yet, but I think that by the end of March he is due to speak, "- said the manager.

Yuri Tarantin covers boxing for Allboxing.ru