Ruslan Provodnikov, promoter happy with new deal

When Showtime unveiled its busy spring and early summer schedule on Friday one of the surprises was the presence of former junior welterweight titlist and fan favorite Ruslan Provodnikov. Provodnikov and Artie Pelullo of Banner promotions agreed to a multi-fight deal with Showtime that will commence with the Russian brawler's 12-round junior welterweight bout against John Molina Jr. on June 11 (9 p.m. ET) at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York, a few miles from the International …