Anything less than a war would be a disappointment on Saturday night when Lucas "The Machine" Matthysse (36-3, 34 KO) takes on fellow slugger Ruslan "The Siberian Rocky" Provodnikov (24-3, 17 KO) at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York.
Both men have gained popularity for their explosive power and willingness to indulge in a firefight. This bout is not for any titles, but the boxing community will be paying close attention nonetheless. If you're looking for a bout that figures to have its share of action, you won't find a better prospective scrap.
Here's the viewing information.
When: Saturday, April 18 at 9:45 p.m. ET
Where: Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York
TV: HBO
Live Stream: BoxNation.com (region restricted)
Both fighters have something to prove in this bout. Perhaps that's part of what makes the fight so intriguing. In Matthysse's last two fights, he scored impressive KO wins. His bout with John Molina in April 2014 was epic and it helped restore some of the shine Matthysse had lost when he fell to Danny Garcia in Sept. 2013.
While normally exciting, no one will mistake Molina for being an elite light welterweight. To be honest, it was a fight Matthysse should have probably won easier—based on the reputation he had garnered leading up to the Garcia bout.
After the win over Molina, Matthysse went on to blow out Roberto Ortiz in two rounds back in Sept. 2014. Again, this was a power-packed display, but not a win against a named opponent.
Provodnikov isn't exactly the 140-pound version of Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Manny Pacquiao, but he does have a solid reputation in the sport. He comes to bang and he can punch...hard.
He's also very hard to miss. Matthysse's titanic power will be put to the test against the rugged Siberian. On the flip side, the Machine's chin is liable to be checked as well.
In addition to the in-ring dynamic that the fighters' styles create, there's also the matter of Matthysse's standing with current promoter Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions. After Al Haymon effectively claimed the majority of the prominent 140 and 147-pound fighters in the sport. De La Hoya was left with scraps in the sport's most glamourous weight range. Matthysse is just about the only notable guy he has left in his stable.
You can bet he understands this; and that's likely why, per Diego Morilla of Ring TV, De La Hoya said: “Lucas is a great fighter, and I believe in him a lot."
That statement may very well be true, but at this point, he has no other choice. With De La Hoya desperate for Matthysse to shine and establish himself as a fighter fans are eager to see, the Machine will have his opportunity against an opponent that he can pugilistically partner with to put on a great show.
As great as Provodnikov's bout with Timothy Bradley was back in May 2013, the result was still a loss. In fact, Bradley could have beaten Provo a lot easier had he stuck to a sensible game plan, and not sought to punish himself for a win he didn't believe he deserved against Pacquiao in his prior bout.
Bradley's senseless approach opened the door for Provodnikov to plant the seeds to become a legend and Mike Alvarado's lack of commitment to the sport, and limited movement helped to grow that legend in Provodnikov's next bout.
The rugged Siberian stopped Alvarado in the 10th round to earn the WBO light welterweight title. Alvarado looked less than motivated and prepared for the bout after winning an emotional and hard-fought rematch with Brandon Rios in his previous bout.
Suddenly, a massively strong, but plodding slugger like Provodnikov was getting serious consideration from the boxing community as an elite fighter in his weight region.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Chris Algieri showed up and forced the boxing world to pump its brakes on Provodnikov. After enduring knockdowns early, and a badly swollen eye, Algieri boxed circles around Provodnikov and took his title.
Did he expose the Russian the way Bradley should have? Simply implementing some movement and not attempting to trade with the one-dimensional strong man seemed like the smarter approach; and indeed it worked.
A shameful beating of Jose Luis Castillo in Nov. 2014 didn't do anything to restore Provo's rep. In fact, the individuals who licensed the over-the-hill and shop-worn Castillo for that fight should have their professionalism called into question.
At this point in Provodnikov's career, he has to prove he can actually beat a good-to-elite fighter in his weight class. Up to now, he hasn't done that. He doesn't like "runners," but unfortunately for him, most opponents are not going to play to his strengths. That would be insane.
Just maybe, Matthysse is a little crazy. Both fighters have a similar style, and Provodnikov can only hope Matthysse doesn't try to out-box him. The likelihood of Matthysse going that route seems slim. Therefore, Provo is in a similar situation as his opponent.
Here's a fight that figures to be fought in a manner of which he'd be comfortable. Now he just has to win.
Article Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2431826-ruslan-provodnikov-vs-lucas-matthysse-fight-time-date-live-stream-tv-info
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