Provodnikov: Bob Arum and Dunkin are blocking the Rios fight

[Weebler I]

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV PREFERS BRANDON RIOS CLASH, BUT SAYS ARUM AND DUNKIN ARE PREVENTING IT

"I don't have any concerns. I am ready to fight him any time. For me, he is actually the best opponent out there right now," stated WBO jr. welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov, who made it clear that he would love to face former lightweight champion Brandon Rios when he makes his anticipated June 14 return to the ring. Unfortunately for Provodnikov, despite the fact that Rios himself has also campaigned for the fight, it seems like certain individuals are preventing that fight from coming to fruition.

"His promoter and manager are the ones that don't want him to fight me. Whether it's the weight issue or some other reasons, I'm not sure. It's not my fault that the fight is not happening. I'm ready to fight anybody," Provodnikov informed FightHype's Michelle Rosado during a recent conversation. "His promoter and manager need to decide to allow for him to take this fight. They have not come forward even one step on wanting to make the fight, according to my team.

http://fighthype.com/news/article16537.html

[Bigg Rigg]

He's 0-2 in his last 2 fights, if he fights Ruslan it will be 0-3 in his last 3. Can't blame them!

[285Kid]

well there goes that , what's the plan here ........... who Rios fighting in the fall? , who Provod fighting in the fall? that right now both man must take safe fights???

[Fetta]

Lies! Bob Arum would never block a fight from happening

[Hougigo]

Make Rios/Abregu

[-MAKAVELLI-]

He's 0-2 in his last 2 fights, if he fights Ruslan it will be 0-3 in his last 3. Can't blame them!

pretty much this...Rios, whether we like it or not, is a name in boxing...an 0-3 skid would change that and Arum and Dunkin probably aren't ready to completely cash him out yet

[The Gambler1981]

If Provodnikov was actually a part of Top Rank they (meaning Top Rank) would probably sacrifice Rios who appears on the slide but they only have that 1 option on Ruslan so why sacrifice a useful guy like Rios for that.

Dunkin is his manager so he obviously wants to get his man back on track, so I get where he is coming from.

[FrankieClutch]

This is exactly what I've been thinking. Arum is protecting Rios; the dude is 0-2 and losing a third straight fight would be horrible for his career. Provo never seemed like a guy to duck anyone, especially not the punching bag we call Brandon Rios.

[FrankieClutch]

And not to mention, I think Uncle Bob legitimately feels that Rios can't make 140 (and I don't think he can either)

[Accountoffline]

I did say this a few days ago