Provodnikov: “I Know I Can Beat Anybody and It’s All About My Will”

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Ruslan ProvodnikovRuslan Provodnikov is not predicting a knockout against fellow destroyer Lucas Matthysse. In fact, he’s not even predicting that he’s the better fighter.

Instead the “Siberian Rocky” said in a conference call before the fight that he would do his talking in the ring.

“I can’t judge who is better or who is not better, you know?” The Russian bruiser said through his translator. “And I know his team is saying a lot of things and they’re saying, ‘You know, we’re going to knock them out. We’re smarter, we’re better, we’re better boxers.’ I don’t want to say any of that. I’m a lot more political than that. You know, there’s a Russian saying that says, ‘Don’t say I won until you win.”

Provodnikov (24-3, 17 KO) and Matthysse (36-3, 34 KO) will battle it out April 18 at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. The match-up is a guaranteed slugfest and the build-up is reminiscent of Castillo-Corrales I and Rios-Alvarado I.

Both men are in their prime, have suffered setbacks and posses devastating power that can change the tide of the fight with a single blow. They share a common opponent in DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, who Matthysee knocked out in eight rounds and Provodnikov won a 12 round unanimous decision over in 2011, respectively.

The speculation is that while both have deep amateur backgrounds, Matthysse is the more technical boxer, slightly, which may give him the edge. But Provodnikov doesn’t mind that statement because to him, his will is what carries him to victory.

“I never said that I’m better than him or that I’m better than anyone else because it’s not for me to judge,” Provodnikov said. “All I can say is that I know that I can beat anybody and it’s all about my will.”

Provodnikov dazzled boxing fans in 2013 when he nearly knocked out Timothy Bradley. Correction: Bradley was knocked out, he just managed to stay on his feet long enough to claim a decision. It was a thrilling fight that left fans begging for more.

“You know, for me it’s exciting as well and these types of fights are what’s important because for me the (title) and the money as I’ve said many times, they’re not number one,” Provodnikov said. “Number one is I want my fights to be part of history, and I think this is one of those fights that is destined to be part of history.”

Although he won’t be in his corner during the fight, Freddie Roach has been training Provodnikov along with Manny Pacquiao at his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. Roach needs to stay with Pacquiao in preparation for the Mayweather fight, but he is confident in his ward’s ability and game plan.

“Ruslan is doing really well and he’s in a really good shape for this fight,” Roach said. “He knows just how to fight, and he’s a good fighter and I look forward to it, and on paper it looks like one of the best (fights) this year.”

Provodnikov-Matthysse is not going to draw the number Pacquiao-Mayweather will, even though it will likely be a more entertaining scrap. However, it will be remembered by boxing fans all the same if it delivers like it’s supposed to.

“The type of fight that can happen between Matthysse and I,” Provodnikov said, “Is a fight that’s definitely going to be remembered forever.”