Team Provodnikov Target Brandon Rios For November

By Ryan Burton

Former junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov is looking to return to the ring in November and isn't looking for a soft touch as he attempts to bounce back from his June loss to Chris Algieri.  

BoxingScene.com recently spoke to Provodnikov's manager Vadim Kornilov who said that they have their sights firmly set on an all action clash against Brandon Rios.

Kornilov said that he believes that Rios team and promoter want the fight but that Rios himself may be a little bit hesitant. Rios is coming off of a disqualification victory over Diego Chaves earlier this month.

"Negotiations are in process for the fight with Brandon Rios!" Kornilov told BoxingScene.com.  "That is the fight that everybody wants to see so we have to do it for the fans.  It seems Brandon Rios is afraid of Ruslan because he's completely ignoring all offers and negotiations.

"Bob Arum has stated in the press before that he wants the fight. I heard his manager wants the fight, so Rios has to get over his fears and come forward to make a deal on the fight in November on HBO!"

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