Rios vs. Provodnikov prediction/thoughts/analysis thread

[Evil Abed]

Provo with a punchers chance. Has to hurt Rios early.

[BoxingGenius27]

Provo with a punchers chance. Has to hurt Rios early.

This is how I feel.

I think Provo can possibly hit harder than Alvarado. I like how he boxes and I think he's a pretty good fighter.

I think he has the power to hurt Rios despite Rios's good chin.

I think Rios is definitely the favor, but it's not by much. Rios loves to get hit and Provo would gladly oblige.

Like I said, this is a close fight. I'd give the edge to Rios, but I wouldn't be surprised if Provo pulled it off.

As compared to Alvarado, I gave him zero chance to beat Rios.

[macman]

Comes down to how well Provodnikov uses that strong jab, & if he can deal with Rios's uppercut.
Provodnikov is strong enough to punch through Rios's guard with that heavy jab, & as Rios refuses to take a backward step, or even look to step around, if he gets the distancing right he can just keep hammering away.
But he also looks vulnerable to the uppercut on the inside, & Rios has a great uppercut.

2/1 for Rios based on the better experience, but wouldn't be surprised to see Provodnikov pull out the win in a great fight.