Lucas Matthysse vs. Ruslan Provodnikov
Photo by Golden Boy Promotions
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
Remember the character Marvin Nash in Reservoir Dogs? He’s the guy who gets his fucking ear cut off by that lovable teddy bear Mr. Blonde. That’s pretty much what I expect from this fight, minus the gasoline and gun play.
In fact, I won’t be all that surprised if someone’s ear comes sailing out of the ring and lands on an unsuspecting fan’s lap. That’s called a souvenir, friends.
Lucas Matthysse is the monstrous puncher, Ruslan Provodnikov the psychotically happy brawler.
So who wins? Local blood banks. And probably Matthysse.
Matthysse hits too hard, and Provo just doesn’t have much of a defense. I just can’t see how he stands up to all of those shots. If he does, he’s got to have Yeti DNA or something. That would actually explain a lot about him. Matthysse by TKO.
Prediction: Matthysse
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
It’s remarkably appropriate that this fight takes place 30 years, and 3 days, after the incredible Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns bout on April 15, 1985. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe that fight.
This matchup has all of the ingredients to be at that level, to be an all our war, and is without question a fight of the year candidate. Both fighters come forward as if it were a cardinal sin to take a single step backwards.
Now 31, Provodnikov (24-3, 17 KOs) is coming off an eye opening, split decision loss last June to long distance runner and bicyclist Chris Algieri. He won’t have to look for the 32-year-old Matthysse (36-3, 34 KOs) Saturday night.
Matthysse, who fought the fight of the year in 2014 against John Molina Jr., is a vicious body puncher and has a very good jab when he uses it. I don’t believe Matthysse can knock out Provodnikov, his chin is concrete. He can, however, take everything out of Provodnikov by investing the better part of his arsenal into a ferocious body attack.
On paper, Matthysse has the tools to win this fight. However, my gut tells me Provodnikov will bust up Matthysse and overwhelm him to get the win in a what we all hope is a memorable bout.
Prediction: Provodnikov
Zuri Lopez, Contributing Writer
The day has come for the biggest punchers in the super lightweight division to meet inside the ring. The whole boxing world is on their toes anxiously anticipating this fight including myself.
Once the bell rings I will be sure to buckle my invisible seat belt as we witness these monsters go at it. I can see Ruslan Provodnikov going on the attack against Lucas Matthysse early on. As a matter of fact, I think the first round will be very explosive, I don’t think they will be using it to examine their opponent, but instead will go to work early.
Matthysse will need to use his body and head movements, they will be key since Ruslan will be throwing bombs his way. If Matthysse is smart, uses his skills and vast experience he has acquired, he will know how to tame the beast that he will be up against. Matthysse will be looking to use his number one tool that has always hurt his opponents and ultimately gotten the job done, his tremendous hook to the body.
I see Matthysse getting to Ruslan’s body perhaps before the sixth round, once he realizes he has hurt “The Siberian Rocky,” “The Machine” will go for the kill and unleash his massive power looking for a stoppage.
Prediction: Matthysse
Alex McLeish, Staff Writer
The fight we’ve all been waiting for, this one has the potential to become the most violent boxing match we’ve seen in years. The deciding factor will be if Lucas Matthysse’s power is going to hurt Ruslan Provodnikov enough to slow down the constant pressure attack.
Provodnkiov has shown a great chin to this point in his career, but he’s never been in the ring with someone who hits as hard as Matthysse. Matthysse on the other hand has been hurt before, plenty of times, and he’s going to be hurt again in this fight.
I’m going to say Provodnikov is able to withstand the power of Matthysse and is going to put the Argentine through the meat grinder all night. I’m also going to stand way out on a limb and say that both men will show great heart and the fight will see the final bell. Knockdowns will be the difference.
Prediction: Provodnikov
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
What would happen if two unstoppable forces collided? Well, on Saturday night we’ll find out. It really doesn’t get much better than this. The history and aura of HBO’s Boxing After Dark fits perfectly with the type of fight that Lucas Matthysse and Ruslan Provodnikov will put on.
Both guys do one thing extremely well and that’s attack. So, to me it’s only logical that whoever can withstand more punishment will be the victor. Both will be hit, it’s just a matter of who can take a better beating.
I think Provodnikov’s history of swelling and bruising against light punchers (Timothy Bradley and Chris Algieri) may be the key. I don’t think he’ll be able to eat Matthysse’s power shots for the duration of the bout without going down or being stopped because of a chopped up face.
Prediction: Matthysse
