Tag Archives: Ruslan Provodnikov

Posted on 04/15/2015

By: William Holmes

The following is the Boxing Insider Notebook for the week of April 7th to April 14th, covering the comings and goings in the sport of boxing that you might have missed.

Amir Khan to Face Chris Algieri on May 29th

Amir Khan (30-3) will return to the ring to take on former world champion Chris Algieri (20-1) on Friday, May 29th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York as the Main Event on a Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) card on Spike TV.

“I have happy memories of New York having made my successful U.S. debut there against Paulie Malignaggi in 2010,” said Khan.

“I’m delighted to now be fighting there once again against another champion in Chris Algieri. Algieri has shared the ring with some tremendous fighters and shown great skills in those fights, so I know I will need to be at my very best when we meet. In all my fights I bring excitement, speed and skill and can guarantee more fireworks on May 29 at Barclays Center.”

“I am very excited to get back into the ring and to be fighting here in New York,” said Algieri. “Fighting at Barclays Center, where I won my world title just under a year ago, is an added bonus. Amir Khan is a tested champion.

Tony Luis to Face Derry Matthews for World Championship on Saturday

On Saturday, April 18th Ontario’s Tony Luis (19-2) will face Derry Matthews (37-9-2) for the Interim WBA Lightweight Championship at the Echo Arena in Matthews’ hometown of Liverpool, England.

Luis was originially scheduled to face Ira Terry (26-13) in the co-feature of Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network event. But Ismael Barroso (17-0-2), who was originally scheduled to face Matthews, was unable to obtain the proper visas in time to fight on short notice in England. He will now take Luis’ place and take on Ira Terry in an eight-round fight on Friday.

“It worked out well for everyone,” said Greg Cohen.

“Tony Luis was high enough in the ratings and ready to fight, so he’s one of the few fighters in the world who could have stepped into this important fight on such short notice. And fortunately, he is a GCP fighter as well, so we made it happen quickly and he is on his way to the UK as we speak.

“Tony gets his dream shot at a world championship and the fans in Hinckley, and on CBS Sports Network, will get their first look at one of the most fearsome punchers in boxing, Ismael Barroso. So it seems that everyone wins in this unique situation.”

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Fonfara Fight Week Information

The official weigh-in between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andrzej Fonfara is open to the public and will be held on Friday, April 17th at 12:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza LAX-Salon C at 5985 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045. The fighters are scheduled to step on the scale at 1:00 p.m.

On Saturday April 18th, the StubHub Center Doors will open at 1:00 p.m. and the first fight will begin at 1:30 p.m. The Showtime Championship Boxing Telecast will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (Photo: Chris Farina: Top Rank)

Undefeated Chicago Prospect Ramiro Carillo Signs with Warriors Boxing

Mexican born, Chicago-based super lightweight Ramiro “El Lobito” Carrillo will make his first appearance under his new promotional banner on Friday, April 24th at the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) “Dirrell vs. Jack” event at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

Carillo (7-0) will be a part of the undercard in support of the Spike TV broadcast. Carillo has an amateur record of 215-14 and was a four-time Chicago Golden Gloves Champion and a two-time National Silver Gloves Champion. He was also a runner-up in the Mexican Olympic trials.

Freddie Roach Hails Provodnikov-Matthysse Clash as “Greatest Match Up in the World”

Trainer Freddie Roach believes Saturday night’s clash between Ruslan Provodnikov and Lucas Matthysse is ‘the greatest match up in the world.”

The two knockout artists will match up at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in New York.

Roach, Provodnikov’s trainer, stated, “It’s the greatest match up in the world. You’ve got two guys that love to fight, two guys that are great punchers. It’s going to be a very exciting fight- that’s for sure.”

The super-trainer went on to state, “It’s the best fight and the best is what we need. This is what’s going on in boxing right now and that’s why everything is really happening in boxing bigger than ever at this point, because of fights like this.”

However, Roach won’t be in Provodnikov’s corner since he will be busy preparing his star pupil, Manny Pacquiao, for his May 2 fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas.

Loaded Undercard Announced for ESPN Friday Night Fight’s Mohegan Sun Card

A loaded undercard featuring several unbeaten prospects has been announced for the non-televised segment of the April 17th ESPN Friday Night Fights card from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The main event is scheduled to be between undefeated junior middleweight contender Tony Harrison (20-0) and Pablo Munguia (20-6) and to co-feature Ryan Kielczweski (22-0) versus Danny Aquino (16-2) in a featherweight bout.

The undercard will feature unbeaten super middleweight Lennox Allen (18-0), unbeaten Alantez Fox (14-0-1), Regis Prograis (13-0), and Amos Cowart (12-0-1).

Roc Nation Sports Announces Throne Boxing Performance Lineup

Roc Nation Sports has announced the throne boxing performance lineup for the April 17th event which will air on Fox Sports 1 from the Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

Murat Gassiev will defend his IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight Championship against Felix Cora Jr. in the main event, and Ray Robinson (19-2) and Sherzodbek Alimjanov (22-2) will face each other for Robinson’s NABO Welterweight Championship.

Mike Tyson Interview by CP24 Violated Broadcast Ethics

The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council says a Toronto television station breached the broadcasting code of ethics during an interview last year with Mike Tyson.

At least one two occasions during the interview Tyson used extremely course language. The CBSC concluded that by failing to immediately terminate the interview, the channel CP 24 was in breach of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ code of ethics.

More information on this can be found here.

Joe Frazier Collection Auction

Memorabilia, mementos, photographs, and other collectibles acquired from Leslie Wolff, the long time manager of Joe Frazier, is available for auction online and there’s only a few weeks left until the auction. If you are interested in viewing these items for sale, click here.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation Present “Fight 4 Fitness”

The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation (FMJF) is pround to present the Fight 4 Fitness 5k Run/2K Walk Fun Run and Community Day taking place Sunday, April 19 at Sunset Park in las Vegas. The 5k Run/2K Walk and Kids Fun Run starts at 8 a.am. and is followed by an awards ceremony honoring all the participants. The presenting sponsors are Mayweather Promotions, The Money Team and Guy Ventures.

“My foundation genuinely cares about the Las Vegas community, and we are continuing our pledge to serve with great events like this,” said Mayweather. “Staying fit and active is so important. We hope this event encourages all people of all ages to work towards getting in shape and living a healthy lifestyle.”

More information can be found here.

Robert and Casey Guerrero Join Arkansas Tech and Be the Match in Effort to Break World Record for Bone Marrow Registries

Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, will join Arkansas Tech University and BeTheMatch.org in an effort to break the world record for bone marrow registries in a 24-hour period.

In addition, the group will attempt to break the one-hour world record for registries as well. Arkansas Tech’s Be The Match bone marrow registry event will begin at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, and continue through 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, on the university’s campus.

Joining “The Ghost” will be his wife, Casey Guerrero, who is a cancer survivor and a recipient of a bone marrow transplant from the BeTheMatch.org registry (National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP). Together they will inspire everyone on campus and help students register while relaying the important message of being a donor.

“What an honor to be invited to this great event put on by Arkansas Tech University and BeTheMatch.org,” said Robert Guerrero.

“Casey and I are going to do our part to help register as many people as possible. I really believe we are going to break the records. Many lives will be saved and that brings me great pleasure. I’m super motivated and can’t wait to get on campus and go to work.”

Rigondeaux to Confront Scott Quigg

Unified super bantamweight world champion Guillermo “The Jackal” Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KOs) will travel to London next month in order to publicly confront his mandatory challenger, Scott Quigg (30-0-2, 22 KOs), the World Boxing Association (WBA) “regular” 122-pound division titlist.

A month ago in an unusual move, Rigondeaux’s manager Gary Hyde formally petitioned the WBA to enforce a mandatory title fight between his WBA Super champion and Quigg. Hyde is awaiting the WBA’s decision. Rigondeaux is also the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and The Ring magazine’s super bantamweight champion.

Posted on 04/08/2015

By Sean Crose

“I expect the same as all the fans.”

So said Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov during a conference call to promote his upcoming April 18th junior welterweight bout with fellow thrillmeister Lucas Matthysse at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York. Indeed, fans are expecting a lot from this one, for it features two excitement-prone brawlers who both battle in an entertaining style.

“Both guys are very dangerous,” Provodnikov’s famed trainer, Freddie Roach, told the media. “I told Ruslan if you hurt this guy, don’t just talk in because he has tremendous power.”

Provodnikov, however, is confident.

“I know that if I give everything that I have in the ring, and I give everything that I have in training, I can beat anybody,” he said.

So much for his controversial loss last year to Chris Algieri having a terminal effect. Indeed, Provodnikov is eager to meet the hard brawling Matthysse in the ring.

“Walking into a ring with a fighter that I know will fight me definitely,” he said, “I can do a lot better than [with] a fighter who will just run.” Clearly, this match will not be water ballet.

“I know that this is going to be a real fight,” claimed Provodnikov, “and I know that either, you know, I take him or he takes me. And it’s going to be toe to toe it’s going to be a real fight. For me that’s only a positive.”

Yet Provodnikov isn’t the only one eager to throw down at the Turning Stone Casino later this month. Matthysse made it clear he was thrilled with the opportunity, as well.

“I’m excited,” he said, “to be fighting a caliber of fighter like Ruslan. It’s two, you know, fighters at the top of their game fighting each other.”

Matthysse is not only aware that his bout with Provodnikov has the makings (at least on paper) of being a fan favorite. He also knows that it can lead the way to huge things in the red hot junior welterweight division.

“This is the fight that’s going to open up opportunities for the winner,” claimed the popular Argentine. “It’s the fight that’s going to open up bigger and better things, and that’s what I’m looking forward to. That’s what motivates me.”

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya made his presence felt during the call by making it clear that this sort of matchup is right up his alley.

“These are exactly the fights that the fans want to see,” said De La Hoya, “whether there’s a title on the line or no title, or where it takes place.”

In a world of network and inter-promotional rivalries, the legendary fighter turned promoter made it obvious that he was going to give fans the kinds of fights they appreciate.

“We are just thrilled that the best network is going to be televising this event,” he said, throwing a clear jab at his former partners at Showtime. “These are the types of events that obviously belong on HBO Championship Boxing and we are just thrilled and excited to be part of it.”

No matter what network the fight is on, however, viewers will want to see a good match. Unfortunately, this one runs the risk of disappointing just because expectations are so high. If the bout somehow fails to deliver in epic Hagler-Hearns type fashion, there are those who will undoubtedly gripe.

Not that De La Hoya’s worried.

“I have a good hunch that this fight might be the Fight of the Year,” he said.

Posted on 04/03/2015

By Ivan G. Goldman

When it comes to scoring a knockout, Floyd Mayweather is a longer shot at the sports books than Manny Pacquiao.

At the Bovada offshore betting site, a bet on Mayweather winning before the bell rings to end the 12th round at is set at +550 in their May 2 mega-match in Las Vegas. An early Pacquiao victory is +400. That means $100 will win you $550 on Mayweather but only $400 on Pacquiao.

Yet Mayweather remains the overall favorite. Odds have settled in at +170 Pacquiao, -210 Mayweather, a fight that will almost certainly attract record action before it’s over.

The line reflects everything that’s known about these two fighters, and it’s no secret that Mayweather has been more likely to settle for a points victory while Pacquiao more likely to take risks in order to put his opponent on the canvas.

Yet on the over-under, a distance fight is still favored by -300 to +230 over a stoppage by either fighter. That’s to be expected when you have two welters who’ve scored only three stoppages in their last 20 outings.

Talk to ten people in the know and you’ll get ten answers on where the odds will end up, but Mayweather was a 3-1 favorite before the fight was actually signed, and the number slimmed down in reported heavy action.

Looking for a close fight and can’t decide who will pull out the victory? You’re not alone. Well, you could look for a draw. It pays 16-1.

In other interesting situations that pop up on the Bovada offshore site, look at light heavyweights Adonis Stevenson versus Sakio Bika Saturday in Quebec City. Not surprisingly, it’s -1600 Stevenson and +800 Bika. But a stoppage by Stevenson, the hometown favorite, is favored at -150. A Stevenson win by decision actually pays a premium at +140. That’s how certain bettors are that Bika, 32-6-3 (21 KOs), won’t make it to the final bell against a knockout artist who’s 25-1 (21 KOs).

But over on 5Dimes, another offshore site, you can get +150 betting the bout won’t make it past 7 and 1/2 rounds. I find that an intriguing bet. The over is -170.

On April 11, gamblers give Irish southpaw Andy Lee only a puncher’s chance against Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin in Brooklyn, -325 Quillin, to +250 Lee.

Lots of bettors can’t make up their minds on what promises to be an action-filled tussle April 18 between junior welter powerhouses Lucas Matthyse, -140, and Ruslan Provodnkiov, +110 in Verona, New York.

Look at Vasyl Lomachenko, a staggering -2500 versus Gamalier Rodriguez, +1000 on the Mayweather-Pacquiao undercard at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. At 5dimes it’s +1900, -3800. When the spread is that wide it indicates the house doesn’t really want the action but will grudgingly book your bet. Within those odds is one of the looniest bets on the board. Would you really be willing to risk $3,800 just to win $100 on Lomachenko? But if you do want to bet Rodriguez, clearly 5dimes is the place to do it.

Finally we come to the 5dimes view of Willie Monroe versus crushing middleweight phenom Gennady Golovkin May 16 in Inglewood, California. It’s +2500 Monroe versus -7500 Golovkin. Now there’s a site that doesn’t want to bet against Triple G. A crazier wager you can’t find. Yes, Triple G is a lock, but you’ve still got to be nuts to risk $7,500 to win a mere $100.

Ivan G. Goldman’s 5th novel The Debtor Class is a ‘gripping …triumphant read,’ says Publishers Weekly. A future cult classic with ‘howlingly funny dialogue,’ says Booklist. Available in April from Permanent Press wherever fine books are sold. Goldman is a New York Times best-selling author.

Posted on 03/30/2015

by Eric Duran

Ruslan Provodnikov (24-3, 17 KOs) and Lucas Matthysse (36-3, 34 KOs) spoke to reporters today to discuss their upcoming match up on April 18th. Oscar De la Hoya and Artie Pelullo were also on hand as well as Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach. Both fighters exuded confidence and excitement while discussing the match-up that could provide fight fans with the Fight of the Year.

A ecstatic Ruslan Provodnikov spoke at length with reporters today during a live conference call.

“I just woke up, good morning. I’m eating breakfast before I head to training,” stated Provodnikov. “You’re going to hear Matthysse say he’s going to knock me out. That’s all he’s been talking about. I’ve never been on my knees, unlike Matthysse.”

Lucas Matthysse downplayed the knockout talks on the conference call, saying, “those weren’t my words, I’m ready for a tough fight. If the opportunity presents itself, I’m going to take advantage.”

Both fighters are excited and expecting a great fight heading into their match up. “It’s an important fight to me, not because of a title or money, but for history,” stated Provodnikov. Matthysse, who is known for his exciting fights, stated, “it take two fighters to make a fight of the year candidate. If Ruslan comes forward, I’ll take advantage of it.”

Both fighters spoke about being focused on April 18th, and both understand the importance of a win.

“That’s what is important here, the opportunity the winner gets,” stated Matthysee. Provodnikov also added, “I’m focused on April 18th. I’m not focused on title or catch-weight fights,” referring to proposed fights with Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson.

In what everyone from fans to media are expecting to be a fight of the year candidate, so are the fighters, “he’s one of the biggest punchers but that doesn’t bother me. It’s a positive, either I catch him or he catches me,” stated Provodnikov. Provodnikov went on to state, “talk is cheap, I do my talking in the ring.”

Matthysse was complimentary of Provodnikov, saying “I’m excited to be fighting a fighter of Ruslan’s caliber…”I’m excited to fight Ruslan and to be fighting in the United States again. My training camp is going great. We’ve worked on things so they don’t happen in this fight.”

The Argentine was adamant that his chin would hold up under fire. “The objective is not to get hit, I’m working on it. I will not get dropped by Ruslan. so don’t worry about it,” stated a confident Matthysse.

Provodnikov was more vocal about training camp. “I never said I was the best [but] I know I can beat anybody when I train properly. I’m confident,” stated Provodnikov.

Provodnikov and trainer Freddie Roach also spoke about the super trainer not being in his corner on April 18th, presumably too busy working on the Fight of the Century with his charge Manny Pacquiao.

Matthysse (l) vs Provodnikov

“Everything is fine, it’s not the first time. Freddie is in my camp, that’s what important. Marvin [Somodio] knows what he’s doing,” stated Provodnikov of Roach’s assistant.

Roach seconded that, saying “they understand what I want. Marvin has been with me for years. This fight is good for boxing,” stated Roach.

Matthysse was previously unaware that Roach would not be accompanying Provodnikov.

Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions, who promotes Provodnikov, stated, “it was a very easy fight to make. Eric Gomez and Oscar as well as the fighters, wanted this fight. It’s the best tv/fan friendly that could be made. I’m expecting it to be better than Corrales-Castillo.”

Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes Matthysee, shared the same sentiment as Pelullo, “we’re thrilled that the best network, HBO, is televising this fight. I have a good hunch that come April 18th, we’ll have a fight of the year,” stated De la Hoya.

Both promoters spoke on The Turning Stone hosting this event, “Verona is a fight town, great fans. There was no risk, it’s almost sold out,” stated De la Hoya. Pelullo, whose Banner Promotions is a staple at The Turning Stone, stated, “they were aggressive about landing the event. They understood the historical aspect of this fight.”

Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse and “The Siberian Rocky” Ruslan Provodnikov square off on April 18 at The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. The 12-round junior welterweight fight will be televised live as part of a split site doubleheader on HBO’s Boxing After Dark, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.