Mike Alvarado vs. Ruslan Provodnikov: Your thoughts & predictions?

[bigcursedawg]

I could see this fight being stopped on cuts. They both tend to bust up in fights. It's really a interesting fight IMO. Mike was seriously hurt by Rios and Ruslan is a bigger puncher than Rios. But skill wise Rios is better than Provo and throws more punches. If Alvarado can keep his distance and box he can win especially if Provo doesn't improve his work rate. Both have huge hearts and are coming off their best performances yet. IMO this fight comes down to who wants it more.

This is a even money fight IMO but I'm going to go with Provodnikov by late round stoppage. Mike has a good chin but he was hurt badly by Rios in the first fight and was shaken up a few times in the rematch. Provo is a natural JWW and the bigger puncher and even though his stamina isn't great he is a pretty good finisher when he has his man hurt. He will get reckless in thise exchanges though. How Bradley was able to stay on his feet for so long in that fight is unbelievable.

[Syf]

Leaning towards mile high mike SLIGHTLY, reasons:

1. fight is at 140

2. Its in mikes hometown

3. Ruslan swells/cuts incredibly easy


VERY Tough fight though for both

Good post.

I think a big factor that hasn't been directly mentioned either is stamina. Mike has the better stamina, and the ability to be active for all 12 rounds. He also has a bit more pop, in my opinion, than Bradley, and Provodnikov is there to be hit. He's (Prov) busy talking about how boxing and tactics won't play a factor in the fight and how willpower alone will be the deciding factor. I don't think that's very wise, all told. Mike will probably outbox him, after squeezing out of some tough spots. I don't view this as being as brutal a fight as the Bradley fight though. Bradley had a chip on his shoulder and something to prove in that fight. He willfully exchanged several times when he could have played it safe. I don't see Mike having that same compunction. He will play it safer.

Boring fight. Alvarado by points. No way Alvarado stands and trade.

Won't be boring though. Alvarado is no masterclass boxer by an means. Prov will catch him and make it exciting throughout the bout. But, Mike will put rounds in the bank when Prov gasses.

[thuggery]

[The Ninth Layer]

I was lucky enough to see both Provodnikov and Alvarado live this year in their respective matches with Tim Bradley and Brandon Rios (saw the first Rios fight too). I wish I could make it out to Colorado for this one!

I think I favor Alvarado by decision here. I have absolutely no reason to predict that Provodnikov's chin would fail him in this fight, but Mile High Mike should be able to maintain distance on the outside and use his power to discourage Provodnikov from really coming at him. At some point he will probably have to fight Provodnikov off, but even getting stopped by Rios in the first fight didn't keep him from firing back in the second.

This could easily end up being a toe rout one way or the other, but who really knows how it'll all unfold? Looking forward to Saturday!

[HarvardBlue]

Unless Provodnikov KO's Alvarado within 3 rounds (highly unlikely but possible) the mile high air will suffocate him. The reason why Bradley was able to pull off the victory in that fight was because Provodnikov gassed badly and stopped punching. Unless you've been to that altitude you have no idea what it does to someone who already has stamina issues. The longer this fight lasts the worst it will get for Provodnikov. I would be shocked if Provodnikov pulls off a victory.

[wesk81]

Should be good action fight, but i think alvarado wins by tko in late rounds, alvarado looked great in his two fights with bam bam, but showed he can box and be smart in the second bam bam fight to go along with the heart and balls of the first.

[Adamjr91]

Alvardado knows too much for Provodnikov, no chance he stands in front of him. This is going to look like Alvarado-Rios II

[kingpinas]

I believe that Provodnikov will KO Alvorado before round 8. Alvorado is natural brawler and he just can't clich everytime when Provodnikov comes in. And when the trades starts Provodnikov is the puncher alvorado never met before.
I believe in Fredie Roach and I think Provodnikov will have top form for this big match. I believe he will hurt Alvorado with his big hooks and destroys him in middle rounds K.O.
We will see the outcome soon.

[Public_Enemy]

Has Provodnikov been training in Denver? His stamina was already suspect. In Denver, he may run into some serious issues late in the fight. This is going to be a good one regardless. FOTY candidate for sure.

[G22]

Provodnikovs performance vs Bradley looks even better after Bradley handled Marquez so easily . Provodnikov is a beast and will try to maul Alvarado.


Having said that Mike is a tough guy with slightly better boxing skill and I think he'll take a decision in a great fight