By Sonee Thompson
I was lucky enough to run into Ruslan Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KO) before he waged war on Mike Alvarado (34-2, 23 KO) on Saturday night in Denver. Couldn’t get the killer interview because of time and lack of translator (I’ve got to brush up on my Russian)! But I did get to watch him warm up and work a bit. I knew Alvarado, though tough, was going to meet his match in this incredibly focused and fearless fighter. By claiming his title as new WBO junior welterweight champion, with a 10th round TKO victory, Provodnikov proved that he is worthy of a Bradley rematch or a top level warm-up prior. The telling of Provodnikov’s power was most evident in his ferocious body shots which overshadowed Alvarado’s boxing ability and sheer determination. It was only after a couple warm-up rounds going to Alvarado that Provodnikov put the hammer down.
From my perspective the fight could have been over in the 4th when Alvarado abandoned ship on the boxing skills and bought into Provodnikov’s slugfest. The fight should have been over in the 8th when Provodnikov cold rocked Alvarado with that crushing body shot that sent him to the canvas. Tony Weeks showed his hand as he drew out the count to what sounded like 9 but seemed like 10, probably thinking “should I or shouldn’t I?”
Provodnikov toppled Alvarado a second time in the 9th but Alvarado still made it out with a minute to go but only by the grace of Provodnikov slowing his roll. The battle finally climaxed in the 10th round as Provodnikov continued to unload on the ropes, center ring and anywhere else there was space. As Provodnikov turned up the heat, Alvarado’s corner showed concern and wanted to stop the fight. At that point everyone could see the damage to Alvarado’s eye and that as predicted, his broken spirit.
Weeks ensured the right call by questioning Alvarado repeatedly whether he wanted to go on and he did not. In addition – I thought he might have been concussed as early as the 7th or 8th. This was also a concern post fight as he admitted to Max Kellerman that Provodnikov threw the hardest punches he had ever encountered and he did not want to further risk his health. Smart move. I believe Alvarado got caught up in the hype of the Rios victory and was still hearing the chants of his greatness, meanwhile, a warrior prepares.
Provodnikov accomplished this great feat without the tutelage of his trusty trainer Freddie Roach who is sweating it out in the Philippines with “Pacman” in prep for Brandon Rios in Macau. This huge win is another example of a former B list fighter being cast into the spotlight with an A list performance. Names like Marquez and Pacquiao (should he surpass Rios) will fill the air and Provodnikov is pumped and has the goods to go the distance. Power, grit, well built frame and a great sense of humor will take him far in the ring. I’m sure if guided properly he will work on the boxing technique and footwork before the next fight and whomever he fights, I’ll be watching this young Russian superstar dubbed “The Siberian Rocky”. Rock on Ruslan.
