Following his upset loss to Chris Algieri earlier this summer, former junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov isn’t looking for a tune-up on his path to redemption.
Provodnikov’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, recently told BoxingScene they are fixated on a big showdown with Brandon Rios on HBO.
“Negotiations are in process for the fight with Brandon Rios!” Kornilov told BoxingScene.com.
“That is the fight that everybody wants to see so we have to do it for the fans. It seems Brandon Rios is afraid of Ruslan because he’s completely ignoring all offers and negotiations.”
But is Rios running scared?
Ten weeks after losing to Manny Pacquiao via a lopsided unanimous decision last November, the ‘shoe was on the other foot.’
When asked by Chris Robinson about the prospects for a bout against then-WBO Jr Welterweight Champion Ruslan Provodnikov, Rios, in February, replied:
?I want it to happen.?
?I want that fight. Everybody wants that fight. That would be a good fight for everybody around the world.”
“Not only that, but everybody would tune into that fight.”
“Honestly, I?ve been telling my manager all the time that I want that fight. It would be a great fight.?
Rios insisted, stylistically, Ruslan Provodnikov is more amenable to him than were Alvarado and Pacquiao.
?He comes to fight,? said Rios. ?That?s what I like. We?d both be in the middle of the ring fighting it out. That?s why I want that fight.”
“It would be toe to toe. We?d be brawling it out.?
Has something changed? Is Team Rios looking at an easier foe for the time being (which would be very understandable)? Rios, fresh off a disqualification win over Diego Chaves a few weeks ago, has had some tough wars in each of his last four bouts with Chaves, Alvarado and Pacquiao, and may want to consider facing at least one less-threatening opponent prior to stepping in the ring with the fearsome Provodnikov, should negotiations proceed.
“Bob Arum has stated in the press before that he wants the fight. I heard his manager wants the fight, so Rios has to get over his fears and come forward to make a deal on the fight in November on HBO,” exclaimed Kornilov.
If this potential Fight of the Year takes place this fall, Provodnikov will have to jaunt north seven pounds to welterweight.
