Editorials

Matthysse vs. Provodnikov: 3 Keys to Victory for Ruslan

Ruslan Provodnikov (24-3, 17 KOs) is a come forward slugger who can punch through a brick wall, which is why his upcoming clash with Lucas Matthysse (36-3, 34 KOs) promises to be a fight of the year candidate. That would give Provodnikov his second such honor.

3. Don’t Get Outworked In the Middle Rounds

Ruslan-Algieri - Ed Mulholland4 Photo by Ed Mulholland

In his losses to both Timothy Bradley and Chris Algieri, Ruslan Provodnikov started strong but faded in the middle rounds, which allowed both opponents to win rounds and take the fight away. If Provodnikov does not end the fight with an early knockout, he must maintain the same level of aggression throughout the middle and late rounds.

Danny Garcia was able to dominate the later rounds against Lucas Matthysse, almost shutting him out from Round 7 on. Provodnikov must not get flustered if Matthysse lands a big shot or become frustrated if Matthysse decides to not trade with him.

Garcia clearly was bothered by Matthysse’s power in the early rounds, but he never gave in and didn’t stop applying the pressure until he ultimately closed Matthysse’s eye shut.

Provodnikov has the power to inflict the same damage Garcia did or worse as long as he does not stop coming forward.

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