Matthysse Sees Provodnikov Victory As Gateway To Bigger Fights

1
907

Lucas Matthysse, Ruslan Provodnikov,After receiving Fight of The Year honors from the Boxing Writer’s Association of America for his bloody encounter with John Molina Jr. in 2014 Lucas “La Máquina” Matthysse is slated for another hellacious fight, this time against the rock from Russia, Ruslan Provodnikov.

In a conference call before the fight, Provodnikov (24-3, 17 KO) suggested he heard rumblings from the Matthysse camp about Matthysse (36-3, 34 KO), knocking him out. Matthysse responded saying he meant he would take advantage of the opportunity should it present itself come April 18 in Verona, New York.

Part of what makes this fight interesting is the similar experience the fighters had making their way to each other. Matthysse has fought and lost controversially to boxers Zab Judah (2010) and Devon Alexander (2011); Provodnikov can say the same about his losses to Mauricio Herrera (2011) and Chris Algieri (2014).

Both punchers have fought and lost to top fighters in the sport. Provodnikov dropped a decision to Timothy Bradley in a tough fight, and Matthysse lost his only legitimate title shot against Danny Garcia, both in 2013 respectively.

Matthysse, a native of Argentina, is credited as the better technical boxer because of his ability to move and jab when he’s not on seek and destroy. If Matthysse can withstand the early Russian onslaught, he may stand a chance to outbox and outlast his opponent.

“This is the fight that’s going to open up opportunities for the winner,” Matthysse said through his interpreter, Eric Gomez. “It’s the fight that’s going to open up bigger and better things, and that’s what I’m looking forward to. That’s what motivates me.”

Matthysse’s last outing was against Roberto Ortiz (31-1-1, 24 KO) for the WBC’s “Silver” super lightweight title last September. He knocked out the previously unbeaten Ortiz, in two rounds.

Prior to that fight was his scrap with Molina almost one year ago. In that scuffle, both men hit the canvas twice before Molina was waived off in the eleventh round.

Matthysse also found himself on the mat in the eleventh round against Danny Garcia in 2013, so naturally Matthysse was asked if he prepared to stay on his feet the whole fight.

“I’m not going to get dropped with Ruslan,” Matthysse said. “So, you don’t have to worry about that. But when Molina dropped me, you know, if the punch was a little bit behind my head. I’m not making excuses, but I’m not going to get dropped.”

Now with no one left to fight but each other, the winner will be seen as the bonified boogeyman of the division.