Provodnikov vs Rios

**intoccabile** · 03-17-2013, 08:14 AM

Originally posted by Tom Cruise

THIS. I want to see it so bad. Both love to inside and midrange fights. Power, chin, heart on both sides. Chance of blood from Provodnikov. Both with the same promoter.

I'd do naughty things to Bob Arums decrepit old body if he made this fight!

Ruslan doesn't have the tank, unfortunately. Certainly has the power thugh at 140. Him and Rios was actually supposed to happen, i forget why it fell through, but Ruslan fought Bradley instead and Rios got the Mile High rematch.

EDIT - I think it's a good fight for 4 rounds, then it ends like teh Antillon fight. Unless Ruslans power ends things within those 4 rounds, I think he blows his load and gets beat on then stopped.

**PEBBLES!** · 03-17-2013, 08:23 AM

Rios is a better defender (yes, really, he's technically much better than RP inside) and has a little better variety of punches. i lean toward him stopping Provodnikov, but RP's size gives him a chance at a reversal, as he seems to carry 147lbs very well (despite his past at 140). eventually, Rios just won't take the punches quite as well, and that might be at WW.

both have serious engines, chins, can punch (maybe an edge to Ruslan in the latter department).

but it'd be hellacious while it lasted, whatever the outcome.

**#YOLO** · 03-17-2013, 08:26 AM

Rios on cuts

**ROSS CALIFORNIA** · 03-17-2013, 08:47 AM

Rios would get stopped.

**HughJass** · 03-17-2013, 08:49 AM

i couldn't care who wins this fight , all i know is i'm with the thread starter , i also want this fight bad!

**Al Bernstein** · 03-17-2013, 08:53 AM

This Russian guy hits too damn hard for Rios.

**bojangles1987** · 03-17-2013, 08:57 AM

Rios would mess him up.

**intoccabile** · 03-17-2013, 09:05 AM

Originally posted by PEBBLES!

Rios is a better defender (yes, really, he's technically much better than RP inside) and has a little better variety of punches. i lean toward him stopping Provodnikov, but RP's size gives him a chance at a reversal, as he seems to carry 147lbs very well (despite his past at 140). eventually, Rios just won't take the punches quite as well, and that might be at WW.

both have serious engines, chins, can punch (maybe an edge to Ruslan in the latter department).

but it'd be hellacious while it lasted, whatever the outcome.

People keep taking about his size. He's both 2 inches shorter and much lighter than Rios on fight night. He's smaller.

**Tom Cruise** · 03-17-2013, 09:05 AM

Originally posted by HUGH JASS

i couldn't care who wins this fight , all i know is i'm with the thread starter , i also want this fight bad!

You know that! Wouldnt even bother scoring it

I think there is obviously a chance Prov gets stopped on cuts, but i also feel he is a harder, crisper puncher than Rios. Rios has power for sure, but he is a thudding wearing down kind of guy, whereas the shots Prov hit Bradley with last night would have Kayoed many guys at 140/147. He has slightly more speed which increases the one punch KO potential. Rios also would have a chance to the body (Bradley hurt Prov there but it was a huge shot).

Not an easy pick imo, later rounds favour Rios due to his engine, but you know he has to got through hell to get there, and Prov definitely showed enough heart in the last round last night to show he can hurt and stop guys even when blowing.

To be honest whether it lasted 1 round or 12 rounds you know its a great fight! Perhaps if Rios ends up getting the Pac fight and (imo) most probably loses, this fight could happen after?

Provodnikov vs Rios