CURSON, SOMODIO SAY PROVODNIKOV READY FOR MATTHYSSE WAR
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 16 Apr 2015
Strength and conditioning coach Nick Curson says the Russian beast Ruslan Provodnikov ?looks better than ever? for his war against Argentine Lucas Matthysse at the TurningStone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York on Sunday, Manila Time.
Curson who did an excellent job with the longest reigning Filipino world champion, WBO light flyweight Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes told the New Standard/boxingmirror.com from New York that unlike in the past ?when his condition was poor and he hardly had any reaction? in the ring he is now at his best in preparation for what most fight fans will be a war and a candidate for ?Fight of the Year.?
Provodnikov?s trainer, Filipino Marvin Somodio who has taken over as Freddie Roach concentrates on Manny Pacquiao?s preparation for the Floyd Mayweather Jr showdown told the New Standard/boxingmirror.com that Ruslan will only have ?some light training to maintain his peak form while keeping his weight in check.?
Somodio said ?both men are very strong? even as he said Provodnikov is ?much better now.?
The 31 year old Provodnikov has a record of 24-3 with 17 knockouts while Matthysse has a record of 36-3 with 34 knockouts and is, like Provodnikov, considered a devastating puncher.
Matthysse is coming off a 5th round TKO of veteran Jose Luis Castillo last November 28. Castillo is the same fighter who many believe was robbed of the decision when he first fought currently undefeated pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr.
However, Provodnikov, the former sparring partner of eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao lost a split decision and his WBO light welterweight title to Chris Algieri on June 14, 2014.
He also dropped a unanimous twelve round decision to welterweight champion Timothy ?Desert Storm? Bradley on March 16, 2013.
The 32 year old Mathysse scored a rousing 2nd round knockout of previously undefeated Roberto Ortiz (31-0-1, 24 KO?s) on September 6, 2014 after scoring an 11th round knockout over John Molina Jr to win the vacant WBC Continental Americas title.
The WBC reported than when the former Interim super lightweight champion met Ruslan Perovodnikov for the first time in from of the press of South Manhattan ?a pin was heard to drop.?
Matthysse pledged that ?everyone believes we will be in the ring aiming all out for a KO. But I?m ready to fight the full 12 rounds. I am going to be smarter to achieve triumph.?
For his part Provodnikov said ?Lucas is a good fighter with a lot of strength but I can take his punches. I don?t believe he will be able to do the same with mine.?
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