By Victor Salazar
Much like the rest of us, promoter Oscar De La Hoya was on the edge of his seat with excitement and worry when it came to the violence that was Matthysse-Provodnikov. Matthysse did his best to avoid danger throughout the fight but with Provodnikov, danger is only one punch away. Provodnikov landed a left hook that hurt Matthysse and it was a moment that was worrisome to De La Hoya.
“I was worried then and until the last bell rang.” De La Hoya told Boxingscene.com “With a fighter like Provodnikov, you have to worry until the last bell. I mean its two warriors, two bangers, and two real fighters, there’s no letting your guard down here. The fans knew, it was a sold out crowd. You could have had this fight anywhere across the globe and we would have sold out any arena. The fans know when you have two fighters who love to fight, who understand the game of fighting, you’re going to get a good fight.”
Although he was worried throughout the fight, De La Hoya felt the scoring was a little too close, especially the 114-114 scorecard.
“I thought the scorecards were a little close, all respect to Ruslan but I didn’t see it that close,” De La Hoya said. “I mean even 114-114? I mean sometimes it happens, that the name of the game, judges make mistakes giving close rounds to the guy who was maybe moving forward and being influenced by the crowd. Judges aren’t perfect.”
Even though the fight was action packed, De La Hoya is looking to move on from the fight even though Provodnikov’s side is interested in staging another one or two fights. De La Hoya feels Provodnikov is one tough out for anyone and Matthysse deserves a big fight after defeating such a tough opponent.
“We’re going to move on and explore other options,” stated De La Hoya. “I think what Lucas Matthysse did with his jab was amazing. Provodnikov is a great fighter, I wish him all the best. Whoever he fights he’s going to beat. Provodnikov is the toughest fighter anyone could face. There’s nobody like Provodnikov, his will to win, his chin, his punching power.”
De La Hoya feels a Danny Garcia rematch or fight with Manny Pacquiao is what he is going to aim for next for Matthysse.
“We want the big names, Lucas wants to stalk Danny Garcia and get the rematch,” explained De La Hoya. “The fans have to ask for it and keep on asking for it. That’s the way you pressure fighters into taking fights. I believe Lucas Matthysse should be fighting the likes of Manny Pacquiao. He has no problem making 147. Lucas Matthysse has the talent and power and excitement to go up against nobody.”
