PHILADELPHIA (APRIL 10, 2014)–On Tuesday, April 15th and Wednesday, April 16th, WBO Junior Welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KO’s) will be hosting two press conferences to announce his much anticipated return to the ring, as he will defend his title against undefeated Chris Algieri (19-0, 8 KO’s) that will take place on Saturday, June 14th at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, Long Island. The fight will headline an HBO Boxing After Dark card and is promoted by Banner Promotions, Top Rank and in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
Provodnikov of Beryozovo, Russia announced his arrival on boxing’s big stage with his “2013 Fight of the Year” with Timothy Bradley on March 16th. He then captured the WBO Junior Welterweight title with a 10 round beat down of defending champion Mike Alvarado on October 19, 2013 in Broomfield, Colorado.
Algieri of nearby Huntington, Long Island is ranked number thirteen by the WBO. He will be making his 1st attempt at a world title and earned this opportunity with wins over Bayan Jargal (15-2-3), Jose Peralta (10-1) and Emanuel Taylor (17-1).
COMMENTS
-deepwater2 :
Wow . I can't believe the coliseum is going to have boxing again. I live close by. I think Ruslan stops Algieri rather easy. Chris has a jab and conditioning . I don't think he has any power to check the Russian maniac. I will def be going there as long as I can get there from Gleason's in time. Good for hbo and top rank for taking a risk with the coliseum . I expect seanie Monaghan from long beach to be on the card. Joe smith Jr. should make his way on this card as well. I hope New Yorkers support this card . The lirr should provide shuttle service from garden city and mineola train stations if possible.
-Skibbz :
Can't wait. Fair play to Chris but it's not going to be his night. Seen him fight a few times and he doesn't stand out although he's in good shape. Artie tells me he was a world champ kickboxer too? But none of that will matter once Provodnikov greets him with a fist full of knuckles. This is a good fight for Ruslan, not the toughest of opponents by any stretch and he deserves an easier night after the last two wars he was in but still someone hungry and determined to win. The Mansi Mauler won't be taking him lightly by any stretch and if anything will want to put on another notable performance, as in 2014 I'm sure his name will start cropping up places in the average joe's boxing sphere a great deal more. This fight is just a minor stepping stone for the Siberian Rocky, his next major defence should be toward the end of the year potentially on the bill of fellow Wild Card fighter and good friend Manny Pacqiuao. Can't wait for the fight, hope it's a sell out, blockbuster and another FOTY for the world champ!!!
-mortcola :
-Skibbz :
-Carmine Cas :
This is a good fight fight for Chris if he can keep Ruslan at bay and evade his punches he's got a chance. Skibbz does bring up a good point in that Algieri did move straight back with a high guard, Ruslan would break through that. But Ruslan is hittable and his chin is not granite either, as we saw in the Bradley fight he was buzzed a couple of times, so if Chris can pick his shot correctly maybe he can get to him, or at least gain his respect. This is a big fight, and being from the Island as well I am excited!
-the Roast :
I'm glad for the NY guys getting a title fight to go see. Here in Chicago we get very few and far between good title fights. Last I can remember was Adamek-Paul Briggs for 175 belt and Monte Barett vs Nicolai Valuev. The first fight was good and a good crowd. We got alot of Poles here and they were going nuts for their boy. I've seen Algieri on ESPN a few times and I don't think he is ready for this, but you never know. Ruslan could be looking past him, Its not a big fight for him and the home crowd could spur a great performance from Chris. I'll watch and see.
-admin :
-Skibbz :
-The Good Doctor :
-Skibbz :
-Carmine Cas :
Algieri would be best served to go downstairs early
-Skibbz :
Just finished watching Algieri vs Alejo and I trust Provodnikov will have him out of there within 4. Algieri started off well.... But he didn't keep it up for a full round. He looks flashy with his combinations but his defence is wrong in my opinion. Also he retreats very uncomfortably and awkwardly when he's hit... He turns his body sideways for some reason... Most importantly, he certainly gets caught and buzzed a lot. In this fight he had all the advantages, and although he won there were many occasions were a seasoned and well schooled fighter would have taken care of him. Provodnikov will be the man to show him his first loss.
-mortcola :
-The Commish :
I know very few of you give Chris Algieri any kind of chance against Ruslan Provodnikov, short of bringing an AK-47 into the ring. So, I guess I stand on a very small ledge when I tell you I think is another Paulie Malignaggi and will give Provodnikov a thorough boxing lesson and capture a unanimous decision. Algieri's hand and foot speed will be too much for ZProvodnikov to handle throughout the contest. Plus, Algieri is tireless. He, like Leo Santa Cruz, is capable of throwing upwards of 100 punches per round without so much as breathing hard. Nor will he ever stand there and engage with Provodnikov. He will make Ruslan pursue him throughout the contest. Provodnikov is not unbeatable and certainly not unhittable. The feeling from this corner is that he will be hit. Often. And on June 4, he will be beaten. Oh, is anybody from the NY/NJ/CT area going to be at the Nassau Coliseum on Tuesday for the official press conference? I will be there, covering for my SiriusXM show, along with my co-host, Gerry Cooney. If you are too young to remember what Cooneylooks like, just look for the tallest guy in the room. That's Cooney. I'm the shot guy next to him! -Randy G.
-Carmine Cas :
-Skibbz :
-mortcola :
-mortcola :
-the Roast :
The difference of opinion is making this fight alot more interesting.
-Skibbz :