Editorials

Lucas Matthysse vs. Ruslan Provodnikov | Preview & Prediction

What we are about to witness–Lucas Matthysse vs. Ruslan Provodnikov–just might be a Fight of the Year candidate, or winner. So grab some popcorn (if you can stomach it)—there will be blood.

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Matthysse vs. Provodnikov Press Conference (14) Photo by Golden Boy Promotions

They may be from two different ends of the earth, but Ruslan Provodnikov and Lucas Matthysse will share one common ground this Saturday—the ring. They may speak two different languages but there’s one they both understand—brawling.

“I can’t predict who’s going to win this fight, but I can tell you for sure that it’s definitely what the fans are expecting…it will be a real war,” said Provodnikov to the Ring Magazine in an interview following his media workout. “It’s definitely one of those fights where he’ll take me or I’ll take him.”

Provodnikov understands the stakes of this fight, but feels mentally prepared and confident to face Matthysse. He also mentioned going through quite a few sparring partners during his training camp, noting that some left because the work was too intense for them to handle.

Provodnikov isn’t the only one feeling confident coming out of his training camp. “It was a hard training camp but I feel great,” Matthysse told The Ring. “He is a fighter that likes to come and attack so we got ready for a guy that comes forward and is aggressive.” Though the similarity in Matthysse and Provodnikov’s styles has been noted, Matthysse says he isn’t doing anything differently. “I’m not going to change up—that’s my style.”

I suppose Matthysse has an “if ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality, and he seems sure of his game plan.

“Ruslan is a great fighter, he comes prepared for a war. My strategy against him will be to make sure to box and keep moving, that is why sparring has been really important in my training.”

Though Provodnikov was less certain of the outcome of the fight, Matthysse knows. “Fans can expect one of the greatest fights in the division. I know I am ready to win this fight and fans should expect a victory.”

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