Junior welterweight contender Ruslan Provodnikov (25-4, 18KOs) says his manager will speak with Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya, promoter of Lucas Matthysse, about a potential rematch.
Last week BoxingScene.com caught up with Artie Pellulo of Banner Promotions to get his thoughts on the April 18th clash between Lucas Matthysse and Ruslan Provodnikov. Matthysse was hurt late in the fight but was able to hold on to win a close decision in a sure fire Fight of the Year candidate. Pellulo called for a rematch immediately after the fight and feels that the fight may have played out differently if Provodnikov hadn't been cut by an accident headbutt early in the fight.
Former super lightweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov wasn't very impressed with this past Saturday's mega-fight that Floyd Mayweather won via unanimous decision over Manny Pacquiao. Provodnikov said that he knows Mayweather has a safety first style but had high hopes for a more exciting fight. "Before the fight I actually thought it was going to be the 'Fight of the Century' - something exciting. But afterwards it wasn't that exciting to watch. I already knew going to a fight involving Mayweather you don't expect a lot of excitement and I think any exciting moments in the fight were coming from Manny anyway.," Provodnikov explained.
BoxingScene.com caught up with Vadim Kornilov, manager of former super lightweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov and several others, shortly after Floyd Mayweather's unanimous decision victory over Manny Pacquiao. While Mayweather won the super-fight decisively, the lack of action didn't satisfy many of the paying customers. Kornilov said that he was swamped with messages after the fight with fans asking for a rematch between between Provodnikov and Lucas Matthysse. The two warriors battled it out on April 18th with Matthysse winning a close decision.
Between HBO and Showtime, boxing fans were treated to in-ring action on April 18 comprising of: the most watched fighter of 2014; a fight whose participants separately served in the past two Fight of the Year recipients; and the 2014 BWAA Fighter of the Year. Because the networks went head-to-head (a disturbing tradition that seems to occur around this time every year), the audiences were divided on the action, with HBO winning the network battle but plenty of fans tuning in overall.
Ruslan Provodnikov gave the fans a showing and more when he gave it his all against Lucas Matthysse this past weekend. Provodnikov lost a close majority decision against Matthysse. Provodnikov and his team were open to a rematch even though it seemed like Mattthysse’s side was looking to move forward from this fight. “I’m open to fight anybody as always, any money and any country especially if people want to see this fight again,” Provodnikov said to BoxingScene.com. “If the fans want the rematch, that’s what I want to give them. If there’s going to be a rematch discussed, send me a contract and we will do it again.”
Lucas Matthysse may have fought the fight of his career this past weekend against Ruslan Provodnikov. Matthysse controlled distance, moved when needed, and did the best he could to smother Provodnikov when he was able to get inside. Matthysse said that he and his team studied Provodnikov’s fight with Chris Algieri and game planned around the success of Algieri
Matthysse vs. Provodnikov Fight Photos Gallery - Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, New York - In a very anticipated battle of dangerous junior welterweight contenders, and it lived up to the hype and then some, Lucas Matthysse (37-3, 34KOs) started very strong and survived some very scary moments in the final three rounds to win a twelve round majority decision over former WBO champion Ruslan Provodnikov (24-4, 17KOs). Judge Don Ackerman scored the fight 114-114, while judges John McKaie and Glenn Feldmen scored the bout 115-113 in favor of Matthysse. Matthysse begin the fight well with a game plan of jabbing combined with a right hand. Provodnikov ate shots as he tried to find openings and trying to cut of distance from Matthysse subtle movements. In the second round Matthysse started to stand his ground firing combinations while Provodnikov continued to try and find an entry inside while eating uppercuts for his trouble. A hard combination caused a cut outside the left eye of Provodnikov. Blood and all - Provodnikov pressed forward backing Matthysse up.
Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York - Bill "Two Scoops" Emes catches up trainer Marvin Somodio, who handles Ruslan Provodnikov, to discuss the big win by Lucas "La Maqina" Matthysse (37-3, 34 KO's)over "The Siberian Rocky" Ruslan Provodnikov (24-4, 17 KO's) in a 12-round junior welterweight bout on the split-site doubleheader on HBO Boxing After Dark ®. Presented by Banner Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, the action packed night showcased two athletes fighting in the prime of their careers, with a title shot in the 140-pound division likely hanging in the horizon. The judges had scores of 115-113 twice for Matthysse and 114-114.
Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York - Bill "Two Scoops" Emes catches the post fight press conference to the big twelve round majority decision win by Lucas "La Maqina"" Matthysse (37-3, 34 KO's) over "The Siberian Rocky" Ruslan Provodnikov (24-4, 17 KO's) in a 12-round junior welterweight bout on the split-site doubleheader on HBO Boxing After Dark ®. Presented by Banner Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, the action packed night showcased two athletes fighting in the prime of their careers, with a title shot in the 140-pound division likely hanging in the horizon. The judges had scores of 115-113 twice for Matthysse and 114-114.