An unexpected star was born on Saturday night.
In front of a sold out crowd at the 1st Bank Center in Denver, Colorado, newly crowned WBO Junior Welterweight Champion Ruslan Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KOs) not only proved that he could march into the lion’s den and upset the incumbent title holder, but beyond a shadow of doubt, the Russian born prizefighter proved that he is one of boxing’s most exciting commodities.
After becoming somewhat of a staple on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” in 2012, the fighter more affectionately known as “Siberian Rocky” showed his mental and physical durability while making the most of his 2013 performances on the biggest stage of boxing, HBO.
Although Provodnikov wasn’t able to grab the decision and the title against current WBO Welterweight Champion Timothy Bradley in a controversial fight of the year candidate earlier this year, the hard punching Russian came up big last night against a very tough and durable fighter in Mike Alvarado.
Was the difference in outcome a product of a mother’s affections and support?
For the first time in his professional career, Raisa Provodnikov, Ruslan’s mother, was in attendance, continuously cheering for her son while going toe to toe with Alvarado in the squared circle.
Courtesy of Carlos Sacriste “This is the first time that my mother was at one of my fights,” stated Ruslan Provodnikov. “At first I didn’t want her to be here. No one wants to see their child take that kind of punishment in the ring, so I was worried about her being here. But tonight I realized that her being with me at this time really helped me in eventually winning the fight.”
In a fight that featured everything boxing fans love to see, the determined challenger walked through fire to punish the defending champion, flooring Mike Alvarado for the first time in his nine year professional career. In what will more than likely be viewed as a “round of the year” candidate, Provodnikov dropped the reigning champion two times in the breathtaking eighth stanza.
After imposing his will and unique brand of power on the hometown favorite, Ruslan Provodnikov made Mike Alvarado quit on his stool between the tenth and eleventh rounds.
Courtesy of Carlos Sacriste Ruslan was elated that his mother was a ringside to witness her son finally become a world champion.
“It was not only her first time at one of my fights, but her first time here in America. I am just so happy that everything turned out the way it did. I’m so happy that my mother was here to see me become a world champion.” While the encouragement and presence of his loving mother at ringside undoubtedly made a huge impact on Ruslan’s performance, none of her unwavering support could make a difference without Provodnikov’s belief in himself.
“I was very confident in my training and my team, and most importantly I was very confident in my ability to break his will and win the fight. This fight was about character, and not of skill and technique. I never quit and was able to break his will in the fight.”
When asked about potential becoming an avoided fighter within the talented Junior Welterweight division because of his power and tenacity in the ring, Ruslan Provodnikov gave and very candid and heartfelt response.
“It feels good that people respect me enough to be afraid of me, but I’m no one to fear. My mother raised a very kind person.”
