Ruslan Provodnikov vs. Chris Algieri
Photo by Jeremy Flores/Round By Round
Lou Catalano, Staff Writer
It’s tough to predict a fight outcome when you don’t know a great deal about one of the fighters. Chris Algieri certainly looks like a solid boxer. The problem is that his biggest win is over Mike Arnaoutis, who hasn’t looked good since Fall Out Boy made us hate whoever started emo pop. His biggest test is certainly trial by fire. Ruslan Provodnikov isn’t the most polished boxer, and we will never hear an announcer say “wow Provodnikov just slipped every punch thrown at him!” but he is a beast who is going to bring it hard right from the opening bell. Can Algieri slip enough shots and deliver some punishment of his own? It’s pretty hard to envision a stoppage win for him, mainly because he doesn’t seem to have major power, and also because it doesn’t seem like Provo could be stopped by Michael Myers wielding an axe. Algieri’s only shot is to win on points. I think he’ll hang in there for awhile, but will fade down the stretch. Provo by stoppage.
Prediction: Provodnikov
Lenin Acevedo, Photographer
Whether they win or lose, I’m afraid for Ruslan Provodnikov’s opponents. His raw power is spine chilling and it will definitely be too much for Chris Algieri. Logically, Algieri will be looking for an outside boxing match, which should win a round or two. Ultimately, Provodnikov will come to a point where he won’t respect Algieri, and walk right through him. I don’t see this fight going pass the seventh round. Provodnikov by KO.
Prediction: Provodnikov
Donte Brown, Owner of Donte’s Boxing Gym, Contributing Writer
Ruslan Provodnikov will win simply because he will not allow for Chris Algeiri to use his legs and box from a distance. Ruslan will pressure Algieri for the entire fight, and when Algieri tries to use angles and move a lot to create space, Ruslan will cut him off, throw combinations and pin him against the ropes to make it a brawl. With the combination of Ruslan being more powerful, throwing harder shots, and mentally draining Chris, I can see this fight ending with Ruslan stopping Chris early–by KO or other means.
Prediction: Provodnikov
Brendan Montenegro, Sr. Correspondent
I love this fight, as many people are calling for Ruslan Provodnikov to win easily, yet many people tend to forget or should I say don’t know that Chris Algieri was 20-0 as a kickboxing world champion at super welterweight and welterweight WKA and ISKA. He is 39-0 at the moment if you put his kickboxing and boxing records together. He is a proven winner, he is also a certified nutritionist and takes health extremely serious. This is definitely a fight Provodnikov needs to look out for as Algieri is smart, fast and can take a punch.I have had the opportunity to see Algieri fight in person and follow his career and he is definitely a force to be reckoned with. I love Provodnikov, he is a great guy, great fighter and a great person to be the face of the Junior Welterweight class. Even though Algieri hasn’t fought some major guys, I’m going to go out on a limb and go against the grain. I say Algieri is going to win this by split decision, and if he doesn’t, he will put on one hell of a fight and people are going to be happy to see him fight again.
Prediction: Algieri
Gabe Polanco, Staff Writer
Similar to his co-main event partner, Demetrius Andrade, Ruslan Provodnikov is defending his WBO title for the first time against the tall, rangy Chris Algieri. Provodnikov has made a name for himself as a wild man who feeds off the will of other fighters and most believe that, myself included. I see Algieri fighting his heart out, making it a decent scrap and a bit boring, with Algieri fighting on the outside staying away from Provodnikov’s looping shots. Yet, you can’t stay away from the Siberian Rocky all 12 rounds and that’s where he will lose. Provodnikov is just too crazy and puts enough pressure on fighters to suffocate them to a TKO or KO victory. I see it playing out exactly like that, with Provodnikov winning by TKO before the 10th.
Prediction: Provodnikov
Dominique Silva, Contributing Writer
To me, Ruslan Provodnikov vs. Chris Algieri is similar to the fight between Danny Garcia and Mauricio Herrera. Many people overlooked Herrera and to many, including myself, Herrera out boxed Garcia. This fight is really similar to that fight, Algieri is 5’10” tall with a 72′ reach. This spells trouble to the shorter Provodnikov, so I’m predicting a close tight fight, with Algieri’s physical advantages being a major factor early and Ruslan coming on strong late, but a little too late. My prediction, Provodnikov by way of controversial majority decision.
Prediction: Provodnikov
Vincent Nolasco, Staff Writer
Ruslan Provodnikov will defend his WBO Light Welterweight championship against Chris Algieri. Algieri is an unbeaten Light Welterweight contender, however Provodnikov restless and aggression style would be too much in the later rounds against Algieri. From the start Algieri will want to his boxing abilities to frustrate Provodnkikov and so he doesn’t get into an offensive rhythm. But, Provodnkikov will find holes against Algieri defense and he will start to connect big bombs in the middle of the rounds. Finally, Algieri body would give out on him and Probodnkikov will ended with a stoppage in the ninth round.
Prediction: Provodnikov
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Ruslan Provodnikov is a machine. But, even machines have their deficiencies. Chris Algieri is a tall and rangy boxer who has some really good athletic ability which could give the relentless Siberian some issues. Initially, this fight could be difficult to figure out for Provodnikov, as he will certainly have to cut off the ring on Algieri. The undefeated challenger will undoubtedly try to create space and box to earn a victory. I believe Provodnikov has trained hard, so I don’t think the fact that he’s not facing a “name” fighter will hinder his performance. In the end, I think Provodnikov will land the more meaningful blows and eventually bloody Algieri into submission. Like Lou Catalano said earlier this week, “There Will Be Blood.”
Prediction: Provodnikov
