Comments Thread For: Ruslan Provodnikov: Thank God for Basic Cable

[BIGPOPPAPUMP]

By Cliff Rold - Before his narrow miss in challenging WBO Welterweight titlist Timothy Bradley in what might still be the best fight seen in 2013, there were some who wondered if Russian Ruslan Provodnikov really belonged, wondered if he was really an “HBO-worthy” fighter.

It didn’t matter that Provodnikov had been one of the most consistently entertaining TV fighters of the last few years. He was written off by many on boxing message boards and via social media as an “ESPN” fighter, that somehow being treated as something inherently to be derided.

There was a time where someone like Provodnikov would have been easily celebrated for the opportunity he got in March. Boxing is at its most romantic when the hard luck pug that makes his way with his fists gets his moment to shine. Guys who work hard, show ass, and send the fans home happy are always welcome. When the brass ring is there for them to grab, those are the moments when some of boxing’s best magic occurs. [Click Here To Read More]

[Uncle Rodge]

Some very good points there, well made. It's all about, albeit sometimes unfairly, perspective I guess?

The bit about showing ass and grabbing iron rings confused me a bit tho.

Freudian slip, Cliff?

[LOWBLOW_CHAMP]

Some very good points there, well made. It's all about, albeit sometimes unfairly, perspective I guess?

The bit about showing ass and grabbing iron rings confused me a bit tho.

Freudian slip, Cliff?

i laughed so hard when i got to that part lmao!!!

[crold1]

Some very good points there, well made. It's all about, albeit sometimes unfairly, perspective I guess?

The bit about showing ass and grabbing iron rings confused me a bit tho.

Freudian slip, Cliff?

LOL...no slip. Just an old phrase.

[twosweethooks]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Ruslan !!!!!!!!

THE SIBERIAN EXPRESS !!!!!!!!

[crold1]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Ruslan !!!!!!!!

THE SIBERIAN EXPRESS !!!!!!!!

So, you clearly are rooting against Alvarado then?

[b Murphington]

A very well written article that draws parallels between the fighters that we all know and love from the past, and effectively connecting them to provodnikov

a lot of ppl also believe that provodnikov was robbed against bradley, but really both of their stocks went up afterwards, so i dont think a robbery really matters in that kind of situation. in viewing that fight i think that the most accurate way to describe it is by saying bradley won the match, and provodnikov won the brawl

I believe provodnikov has a realistic shot at beating alvarado and its there for the taking

[johnm is...]

A very well written article that draws parallels between the fighters that we all know and love from the past, and effectively connecting them to provodnikov

a lot of ppl also believe that provodnikov was robbed against bradley, but really both of their stocks went up afterwards, so i dont think a robbery really matters in that kind of situation. in viewing that fight i think that the most accurate way to describe it is by saying bradley won the match, and provodnikov won the brawl

I believe provodnikov has a realistic shot at beating alvarado and its there for the taking

Anyone who believes he was robbed against Bradley isn't to be taken seriously. The fight was extremely close. Close fights aren't robberies.

Good thing for Provodnikov, is that he's now a sentimental favorite for fans. And no matter what, with his style, people are always going to want to see him fight.

[hectari]

Ruslan is one of my favorite fighters, he is humble and honorable and a warrior. But Alvarado will box him and use his height he will not trade with Ruslan, its why I pick Alvarado by decision.

But it will not hurt Ruslan's stock if you put him in with a ****er he will create memorable fights that casual fans will remember for years. put this man on ABC.

[WilkinsOlajuwon]

It wasn't a robbery but Ruslan should have been awarded the win due to missed calls from Russell. That being said the outcome is just fine. Both men benefited from the contest.