Coming nearly thirty years to the day of one of boxing’s all-time great wars, the showdown between Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodnikov (24-3 17 KO’s) and Lucas “The Machine” Matthysse (36-3 34 KO’s) promises to be an all action affair of its own. That is, for as long as it lasts. The two meet in a matchup that has been mentioned in nearly every “dream match-up” conversation that boxing fans have had for years. On Saturday, all that’s left is to see which warrior will remain standing.
Both men spoke to the media Thursday for the last time before they will meet in the ring in Verona, New York. Matthysse and Provodinkov both projected confidence and promised a memorable performance in what many expect to be a Fight of the Year candidate.
“We did a great job in training camp, and I am prepared and ready for Ruslan. I am going to give a great performance on Saturday.” Said Lucas when asked about his feeling on the fight. Coming off a 2014 which saw him compete in The Ring’s Fight of the Year, Matthysse is no stranger to wars in the ring.
Ruslan expressed through his comments that he believes in his own ability, preparation, and will to win will make him victorious come Saturday night. He was glad that Matthysse feels assured he will win, seeing as that allows him even more of a chance to prove him wrong.
“I am glad Lucas and team are so sure of themselves because I am positive that once I am in the ring my actions will speak for themselves. I am here to win, and I will do everything to win this fight.” Coming off of a four-fight stretch that saw him lose two and win over a much past his prime Jose Luis Castillo, Ruslan knows that he has something to prove. Another loss in a high profile fight could spell the end of his opportunity at the highest level of the sport. However, it is the heart of Provodnikov that he has shown so often in his fights that leads him to believe this time will be different.
“No one can stop my will, my will, will not be broken…I fight for an idea, for myself, for the people and to make history. I am fighting one of the best fighters, and I feel like this will make history. I don’t do it for the fame or the money.”
The fight not only has the potential to be great, but it is very important in the grand scheme of things at 140 lbs. With budding star Terrence Crawford making his debut on the same night at the junior welterweight division, the winner of his fight could be in line for a potential title fight and substantial pay day. This fight will undoubtedly be exciting for the fans, but the importance of the win to the two fighters careers isn’t lost on anyone.
Many fight fans and pundits alike have referred glowingly to this fight as a throwback to the wars of boxing’s storied past. Thoughts of famous battles such as Hagler-Hearns, Gatti-Ward, and Corrales-Castillo have been conjured in the minds of fans since this fight was announced. The stage is set, the fighters are ready, and all we can hope for now is that this generation is given its’ own legendary night to reminisce about for years to come.
