By Keith Yazdanseta New York, New York.
Saturday, June 14th could come close enough as fight fans clamored for HBO’s double-header at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, New York. Long Island’s own Chris Algieri challenges Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov for the WBO Junior Welterweight championship. The co-main event features WBO Junior Middleweight Champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade defending his title against England’s Brian “The Lion” Rose. In addition Long Beach native Seanie Monaghan and Brooklynight Heather Hardy will be fighting on tonights undercard.
Photo credit: Ed Mulholland/HBO
Algieri heads into the main event a perfect 19-0 with 8 opponents unable to reach the final bell. His opponent, a man who has stated in the promotion to this fight and his past bouts as well; he is willing to die in the ring to defend his championship. The cards are stacked against Algieri, but he remains cool, calm, and collected. After speaking with Algieri, it seems as if he is completely impervious to the enormity of the situation.
Algieri was very confident during our meeting; he stated that this training camp was the best of his career. The Long Island pugilist knows that he and his opponent are polar opposites stylistically. Chris understands that he must assume the role of the matador and evade the brutal bull like attack of Ruslan Provodnikov. Algieri plans to use his educated jab and lightening quick combinations to not only stave off the Russian, but if the opportunity arises: put him down for good. In addition the change of venue (originally scheduled to take place at Nassau Coliseum but moved to The Barclay’s Center) to accommodate the champion’s fan base, has not fazed the Huntington born boxer. “My fans will be the majority at The Barclay’s, many people will commute from Long Island”.
Algieri not only enters the ring undefeated, but he also brings with him a strong academic background. The Long Island based fighter graduated from Stony Brook University (the Harvard of Long Island) with honors and attained his Master’s Degree in Nutrition at NYIT. He believes his cerebral approach will assist him to victory.
Chris fought intelligently in February, dominating a solid opponent in Emmanuel Taylor, which served as the precursor for this fight. Despite conceding the edge in power and possibly hand speed, Algieri painted a two fisted masterpiece out boxing Taylor intelligently to a unanimous decision victory. Chris believes that Provodnikov will be no different; his astute knowledge of the sweet science will out shine the bright lights in the Barclay’s Center.
Tonight, do not be surprised if you hear “And the new WBO Junior Welterweight Champion of the World!” announced by Michael Buffer. Chris Algieri plans to fulfill his life long dream at the Barclay’s Center, regardless of his underdog status. June 14th marks the day the world will know Chris Algieri.
Doors will open 7:00 P.M., the first bout will begin at 8:00 p.m. The Media Center will open at 6:00 P.M.
For fight updates go to
www.StarBoxing.com orwww.facebook.com/StarBoxing
and twitter.com/StarBoxing.
