Friday, November 28, from Luzhniki in Moscow, Russia, former WBO Junior Welterweight title holder Ruslan Provodnikov (24-3, 17 KOs) got back in the win column at the expense of former Lightweight world champion Jose Luis Castillo (66-13-1, 57 KOs), stopping the brave 40 year old fight veteran at the 49 second mark of round number five.
In the scheduled twelve round main event, both fighters stood toe to toe in a non-stop, action filled scrap for the thousands of fight fans in attendance. Although the Mexican warrior came into the contest as a 100 to 1 underdog, Castillo seemed to have the mindset of a heavy favorite, electing to fight in the pocket and trade with the murderous puncher from Siberia for the great majority of the contest.
Even though JLC showed a lot of heart and veteran toughness for several rounds, Provodnikov’s faster hands, and more explosive power proved to be the primary difference in the fight. The 30 year old puncher rocked the gallant Mexican several times throughout the exhilarating slugfest before finally putting his more experienced but shop worn opponent away in the final minute of the fourth stanza.
After the fight, the 30 year old slugger talked about his hopes for a successful 2015.
“I want to fight for a world title at 140 pounds,” stated Ruslan Provodnikov. “I want to fight guys who come to fight. Fighters like Garcia and Matthysse fight in the style that the fans like and these are the fights that I want.”
62 year old Mickey Rourke (6-0-2, 4 KOs) was also victorious in his scheduled five round exhibition with underwhelming journeyman Elliot Seymour (1-9, 1 KOs) of Pasadena, California. The Golden Globe winning actor floored his overmatched opponent twice en route to an eventual second round TKO.
“The Pope of Greenwich Village” unleashed a series of body shots that crippled his 29 year old opponent and sent him to one knee midway through the second stanza. Although Seymour beat the referee’s count, Rourke quickly jumped on top of him again with another assault to the midsection that sent him to the canvas again, this time for good.
Because the comeback fight with Seymour was considered to be an exhibition, the win won’t be reflected on the 62 year old actor’s professional resume.
