Ruslan Provodnikov: record, next fight and profile →
At the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California, junior welterweight Ruslan Provodnikov (19-1, 12KOs) is back. He knocked down and then stopped Ivan Popoca (15-1-1, 10KOs) in eight rounds, snapping Popoca's undefeated run. Ruslan gets win number two after the upset decision loss to Mauricio Herrera in January.
The main event, scheduled for 10 rounds in the junior welterweight division, will feature two fan favorites - both exciting, up and coming young talents: Ruslan Provodnikov, 18-1 with 12 knockouts, of Berezovo, Russia, will fight undefeated Ivan Popoca, 15-0-1 with 10 knockouts, of Chicago, Illinois.
Hard-hitting Russian light welterweight prospect Ruslan Provodnikov (18-1, 12 KOs) returned after his first professional loss (a controversial one) to Mauricio Herrera with expected zeal and vengeance. WBO #9 Provodnikov made easy work of usually extra durable journeyman Vyacheslav Yakovenko (7-14-1, 3 KOs) in three one-sided rounds. Yakovenko was reportedly down twice and was stopped for the first time in his career.
It was a thrilling start to the 2011 boxing year as 30-year old Jr. Welterweight Mauricio Herrera (16-1, 7 KO) of Lake Elsinore, California endured heavy hands and a swollen left eye to score a career best unanimous decision victory over formerly undefeated 26-year old Russian Ruslan Provodnikov (17-1, 11 KO) at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada on Friday night.
Ryan Burton catches up with unbeaten super lightweight Ruslan Provodnikov to discuss his upcoming fight with Mauricio Herrera and more.