Alvarado/Rios embrace friendship, ready for third installment

Top rank Promotions held a press conference on a crisp and cold Denver morning Tuesday to announce the final chapter in the trilogy between Mike Alvarado and Brandon Rios, set to take place Jan. 24.

Rumors had been circling social media of date and location for the third bout until Top Rank Promotions President Todd DuBoef tweeted the details last week. DuBoef went into details about Alvarado having his name first on the bill, after going to an online poll where fans were allowed to vote. The bill seems appropriate as Alvardo is the hometown fighter.

“Rios-Alvarado always rolled off the tongue a little better, but we thought this time we’d let the fans decide,” DuBoef said.

Rios’ trainer, Robert Garcia said Alvarado should be given the honor in front of his Denver fans.

“But once the bell rings none of it matters,” Garcia said.

Rios and Alvarado embraced in a friendly manner and were both grateful for the opportunity to put on another great war for their fans, during the press conference.

Rios (32-2-1, 22 KOs) expressed how excited he is for “World War 3.” Rios said he has had a great fight camp since recovering from a foul-plagued bout with Diego Chaves that ended in disqualification. Rios’ excitement then led to a “proposal” to Alvarado that sent the drew an uproar of laughter to end the press conference. The two have become friends since first meeting October 2012, reminicent to Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward.

“You don’t have to dislike each other to have a war, these two just know how to put on a good fight,” Alvarado’s manager, Henry Delgado said.

Alvarado (34-3, 23 KOs) also showed his excitement for being back in the ring with Rios, saying the two have share “great classic fights” and he was prepared to go at it again. Alvarado’s trainer Shann Villhauer confirmed the team will train in Denver for the Rios fight. Alvarado has been traveling to Los Angeles for preparations, escaping from distractions and trouble.

As the press conference concluded, Rios and Alvarado came together for pictures, along with their team. Rios then dropped to a knee to seal the deal of his proposal to Alvarado. It’s easy to say fans can expect a great fight, as these two fighters have come to know each other so well in the ring.
“I don’t plan to change a lot style wise for this camp, I plan to go in there in the same way as before, just work on tightening my defense,” Alvarado said.

Tickets for Alvarado-Rios go on sale Friday. The fight is set to be held at 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, the same venue that Alvarado headlined with Ruslan Provodnikov-Alvarado. Ticket prices range from $40-$250 and can be purchased online at www.altitudetickets.com or by calling 1-866-461-6556.

– Leann Perez / @LeannPerez_
Contributor for BehindTheGloves.com

Terence Crawford thankful for breakout year, looks forward to junior welterweight division

Terence Crawford put forth a great display of the sweet science Nov. 29 before a record breaking 11,000 fans at the Century Link Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Crawford’s notched his third win of the year, further giving him an apparent lead for the Boxing Writer’s Association’s ‘Fighter of the Year’ award.

Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum said after the fight he and Crawford’s team will discuss a move to the 140 pound division. Arum also said Top Rank would like to see Crawford back in the ring by the end of April. Crawford could see himself against junior welterweights Ruslan Provodnikov or Chris Algieri. But for now, Crawford intends on enjoying the holidays with his family and taking a well-deserved rest at home.

His opponent Raymundo Beltran took nothing away from Crawford’s performance during the post fight press conference with class and dignity.

“I can truly say Crawford is the first man to beat me,” Beltran admitted. “I was in great shape, I trained very hard, I just couldn’t get his timing right.”

Beltran was asked about his days as a sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao. Crawford’s name continues to be mentioned against Pacquiao at junior welterweight. Beltran was asked to make a comparison between Pacquiao and Crawford.

“I’m thankful for that experience with Pacquiao, but I feel I’ve made a name of my own,” Beltran said. “Crawford can be a superstar but Pacquiao is on a different level.”

Beltran was fighting for the 43 children in Mexico who were killed by the Mexican government, he acknowledged that Crawford and his team showed a high level of class from the very beginning.

“I prayed and asked God to give me protection and strength, I just forgot to ask God to not give any to that guy,” Beltran joked as he pointed at Crawford as he entered the room.

Beltran confirmed he does not plan on moving up in weight and when Crawford vacates his title to move up to junior welterweight, he will challegne for the title again.

Crawford then took the podium, with no swelling, no bruising, and a big smile on his face. From the very beginning of his interviews, the young champ was gleaming with pride and excitement from his victory.

Crawford was asked where this performance ranked in his favorites.

“They’re all my favorite, as long as I keep winning I like them all,” Crawford said.

Crawford said he very thankful for the great year he had, beginning with a victory over Ricky Burns in March.

“I’ve had a great year and I feel I accomplished a lot in a short amount of time,” Crawford said.

Crawford, known for being a star in the ring, is also a good man outside the ring as he brought on the subject of traveling to schools and working with the youth against bullying. Crawford couldn’t help but to continue stating how happy he was, how great he felt and how good it feels to again fight at home. He is looking forward to moving up in weight stating, “it’s just that time.”

His team is also looking forward to what’s next.

“The Jr. welterweight title is already in the making,” head trainer Brian McIntyre said. “Terence trained real hard, he listens real well. We are only going to continue getting better.”

– Leann Perez / @LeannPerez_

– Contributor to www.BehindtheGloves.com

Terence Crawford shuts out Ray Beltran before home crowd

Terence Crawford retained his WBO lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over his mandatory challenger Ray Beltran (29-7, 17 KO’s) before a nearly sold out crowd in Omaha, Nebraska.

Crawford (25-0 17KO’s) got off to a quick start at the Century Link Center, by dominating the first rounds with his jab alone. Crawford kept Beltran at the end of his punches and used his reach to stay on the outside. Beltran had a great game plan by using pressure to keep Crawford on the ropes, stopping Crawford’s lateral movement. Crawford was often quick to the retreat, bringing the fight back to the center of the ring. Crawford showed great footwork and composure as Beltran dished out some good shots of his own and never went down after Crawford’s power combinations.

Crawford was impressive in all elements, as he was a boxer in moments, and a slugger in others. When asked about what’s next for the pride of Omaha, Crawford said he does not call out any fighters.

But Crawford said this was his final bout in the 135 pound division and will move up to earn a shot at a junior welterweight title.

Evgeny Gradovich retained his IBF World Featherweight title in controversial fashion with a draw against undefeated contender Jayson Velez. Gradovich (19-0-1) won the beginning rounds of the fight, landing more shots and being more of the aggressor. Velez (22-0-1) was effective but only threw one to two shots against Gradovich’ five to six. Throughout the fight, Velez seemed to have more success as he peppered Gradovich and was more willing to exchange. The championship rounds were hard to score, where as one fighter landed the cleaner shots, and the other applied great pressure. Judge David Hudson scored the bout 115-113, Velez. Judge Tom Schrek scored 111-117, Gradovich, and judge George Hill scored the 114-114 resulting in the bout being a draw.

– Leann Perez
Contributor for BehindTheGloves.com

Terence Crawford looks to defend WBO title in Omaha

Terence Crawford is set to defend his WBO lightweight title against the rugged Raymundo Beltran on Saturday in the heart of Omaha, Nebraska.

Crawford (24-0, 17 KOs) has already strung together an impressive application for “Fighter of the Year” with a outstanding TKO victory over Yuriokis Gamboa in July. It was Crawford’s first his first title defense in his hometown and is bringing big time boxing back to Omaha for the second time this year. Crawford traveled to Scotland back in March to face Ricky Burns to claim the WBO by unanimous decision. Crawford looks to remain undefeated and continue on this path of a fast rising star, before making the big move up to the 140 pound division.

Beltran (29-6, 17 KOs), has a stacked resume against names such as Ji-Hoon Kim, Henry Lundy, and Luis Ramos Jr. Beltran’s last fight in April showed slight difficulty against Arash Ushmanee. Ushmanee was a last minute opponent, taking on the fight with two weeks notice, while Beltran had weeks to prepare. Beltran won by unanimous decision but Ushmanee made it a little harder than Beltran expected.

Crawford is a perfectly well rounded boxer with great foot work, good defensive head movement and utilizes powerful and fast punch combinations. Crawford’s game plan should be to stay on the outside, keeping Beltran on the end of his punches, forcing Beltran to fight as his pace. Betran lacks in speed, but he does have power if he can slow down Crawford from using the ring. No matter what Beltran, 33, has quite the fight in front of him by taking on the WBO champ in his hometown with over 20,000 fans expected in attendance.

The co-main event for this HBO telecast features Evgeny Gradovich vs. Jayson Velez. Gradovich (19-0, 9 KOs), is coming off a unanimous decision win over Alexander Miskirtchian in May. Velez’ (22-0, 16 KOs) last fight was an impressive TKO in the second of scheduled ten over Miguel Soto. Both fighters undefeated, clash for a battle of “someone’s 0 has got to go”, which will surely produce fireworks.

Also set for Saturday, light welterweight Mike Reed (11-0) takes on also undefeated Oscar Valenzuela (8-0). Undefeated prospect Juan Alejandro Saucedo (15-0, 11 KOs) faces road warrior Daniel Calzada (10-11-2). Calzada, a true Mexican warrior, never stops coming forward, which should make this fight a real treat for the undercard. An opponent is still being determined for Johnny Determan (8-0), and John “Fast Hanz” Franklin (8-0) hopes to step up to the next level of fighting after facing Andre Wilson (14-7).

The HBO telecast begins at 9:30pm ET from the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

– Leann Perez – @LeannPerez_
Contributor for BehindTheGloves.com

Manuel ‘Manos’ Perez inks contract to fight Ortiz Dec. 13

When Manuel Perez won the UBF International Title just two weeks ago in his hometown, he knew the win would bring great opportunities for his career.

Perez put on an impressive and possibly his best performance Nov. 1 in Denver against Cesar Holguin to claim the title. What Perez didn’t expect was that opportunity would come knocking so quickly.

Perez (22-10-1) signed a contract Monday to face Victor Ortiz on Dec. 13 in Las Vegas, as part of the Amir Khan vs. Devon Alexander undercard. While most fight fans were hoping for an Andre Berto rematch, Ortiz (29-5-2) is planning to revive his boxing career by facing “easier” opposition.

Coming off a three fight losing streak, Ortiz possibly bit off more than he could chew with Perez. Perez is no stranger to delivering upsets to his opponents and their promoters.

In 2008, Brandon Rios fought Perez to a draw and at the time was the first blemish on Rios’ record. Two judges scored the bout 95-95, and the third judge had the bout 96-94 Perez. A year later, Rios avenged his draw with a TKO in the seventh round, the only stoppage in his career.

“Rios broke my nose in the second round and although I tried my best to stay in the fight, it was hard with blood flying everywhere”, Perez said.

In February 2012, Perez faced Edgar Santana on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights for the NABA light welterweight title. Perez outboxed and outclassed Santana in front of his hometown crowd in Dover, Delaware. and took a title back to Colorado. The impressive win opened the door to a better opportunities as it led to his beating Jose Miguel Cotto later that year in Mexico. Perez dominated the fight and sent Cotto into retirement.

Perez is known as a road warrior and has seen his fair share of disappointment from bad judging and robberies. But that’s never stopped him from always wanting to fight the best possible opposition.

“At the end of my career I want people to see me for the fighter I am, not for my record,” Perez said. “I’ve gone to a fighter’s backyard and proven a lot of people wrong.”

Perez has shown heart, not just in the ring but where it counts the most. Perez works a full time job, punching the clock Monday through Friday to provide for his family, three boys and his wife of six years.

“Boxing won’t make me rich, but it helps give my family extra to live a good life,” Perez said.

When most fighters argue over their purse and being put on the A side or B side, Perez has been patiently waiting for the right opportunity to enter into the next level.

“The fights have been there, I’ve been called to face some pretty big names, but it was either on a short notice, or for no money at all.”

Perez feels that this fight with Ortiz is the perfect platform to show the world who he is and what he can do. Perez finds himself in the same situation Josesito Lopez was before their 2012 fight in Los Angeles. Lopez upset Ortiz and the win boosted his career.

“I’m excited for this fight,” Perez said. “But while Ortiz is planning his comeback, I’m planning on sending him back out. My career is taking off right now and Ortiz is in the way of my goals and plans.”

Perez is not the only one with a lot to prove, as Ortiz has not won a fight since 2011. He is coming off a 10-month layoff since being knocked out by Luis Collazo, who went on to fight Khan in May. But he has since started training under the watchful eye of Joel Diaz in Indio, Ca.

“I’m only 27 and there is a lot of fight still in me, I will go on and be a champ again,” Ortiz said.

The “Royal Battle” was to be a triple headliner before the withdrawal of the Jermell Charlo vs.  Demetrius Andrade match up. This may now create the bump-up in position for Ortiz vs. Perez to see a major TV spot on the Showtime card.

Either way Perez guarantees a war and the rise of one man and the fall of another.

“I don’t think Victor has the heart to go toe to toe with me for ten rounds, but I hope he does,” Perez said. “The better the person in front of me, the better I perform.”

– Leann Perez / @LeannPerez_
Contributor for BehindTheGloves.com

Joseph ‘Jojo’ Diaz Jr. dominates in Golden Boy Live! main event

Golden Boy Promotion’s rising featherweight Joseph Diaz Jr. remained undefeated Thursday by winning a TKO victory over Roberto Castaneda.

Diaz put on a great performance in front of his southern Californian fans for his first headlined show at the Fantasy Springs Hotel and Casino in Indio, Ca. The bout was scheduled for ten rounds, but Diaz (13-0, 9 KOs) wasted no time by immediately setting the pace and finding Castaneda at good reach. Diaz delivered power from all angles, overwhelming Castaneda and never allowing him to pull the trigger. During the times of exchange, Castaneda threw a lazy jab more to push off Diaz rather than use it for any effect.

After barely surviving the fourth round, Castaneda (21-8) returned to his corner and was immediately greeted by the ringside doctor. The doctor confirmed that his right hand was broken and advised Castaneda’s corner to end the fight. The fighter and the corner hesitated and the doctor made his decision, stopping the bout.

Although the knockout appered to be on its way for Diaz, the stoppage by the doctor was in Castaneda’s best interest. Castaneda took a lot of punishment in the fourth round as the former Olympian displayed a great boxing clinic.

Fellow rising featherweight Julian Ramirez made Pedro Melo retire in the fourth round from an accidental headbutt. Ramirez (13-0, 8 KOs) began the fight with much determination for a knockout. Ramirez’ attack to the body quickly slowed down Melo and gave him much difficulty. Melo (9-7)held on to Ramirez’ body trying to hold on, causing the two fighters to clash heads. Returning to the corner to get ready for round five, Melo’s team examined the cut and determined it was too crucial to continue the fight.

Diego De La Hoya was the third rising featherweight on display in Indio as he won an impressive TKO victory over Ali Gonzalez in the fifth round.

De La Hoya (8-0) was sharp in all aspects, using great footwork and powerful combinations to quickly have the upper hand over Gonzalez. Gonzalez (6-4) was competitive in moments when he came forward, forcing De La Hoya to shorten up his punches. It was then that De La Hoya used a great uppercut to create the distance giving him the opportunity to fight at better range.

After suffering major punishment in the fourth round, Gonzalez’ left eye started to swell. When the fifth round began, Gonzalez switched stances to southpaw to protect his eye, giving De La Hoya an opportunity to go for the kill. During an exchange, De La Hoya came in with a devastating short right uppercut that stunned Gonzalez into the corner. Making sure to finish the job, De La Hoya stepped on the gas and the referee quickly waved off the fight.

– Leann Perez / @LeannPerez_
Contributor for BehindTheGloves.com

Eduardo Martinez off to fast start, seeks hometown fight in Chicago

Boxing isn’t always about the big lights, pay-per-view shows in Las Vegas or training in world class gyms. The beauty of the sweet science is often found on smaller local shows, in cold concrete gyms and when an unknown fighter catches your eye.

Eduardo Martinez is a featherweight from Chicago and is no stranger to hard work. Martinez is undefeated in three fights and is starting out his young career on the right track. What makes his career so interesting is the fact that all of his fights have been away from home.

In this day and age when most fighters are spoon fed for about eight to nine fights until they see a road fight, Martinez, 22, started his journey in California under the promotion of Gary Shaw and Antonio Leonard.

“My promoters have done a great job with my last fights, I get myself prepared well for what’s ahead of me, so it’s not too bad being on the road,” he said.

Martinez started his pro career in March and has been active since, fighting again in April and July. But the busy schedule doesn’t affect him. Martinez commits himself to boxing year-round. To become a world champ one day takes that dedication and time, and Martinez understands that.

“Even if I don’t have a fight lined up, I’m in the gym. It’s my job and I love doing what I do” Martinez said.

Martinez’ amateur career is a notable one, going 85-10 and winning the 2013 USA Boxing National Championship. Martinez hopes to be an inspiration to others with the same dream and goals, like Alexis Arguello was to him.

“I’m Nicaraguan, I grew up watching Alexis Arguello and I would love to bring back a world title to my country” he said.

With that dream in my mind, Martinez stays humble and focuses on what’s important.

“Right now, it’s one fight at a time,” Martinez said. “Next year is just another year for us, another year to put the work in.”

However he does mention a fight at home would be nice, to put on a good show for all the support he has back in Chicago from family and friends constantly asking when they can see there star in action.

Martinez fights Thursday in Westbury, New York for his first six-rounder against Jose Del Valle (4-8). Martinez’ team prepared him well and have become a family of their own.

“I’ve been with Coach Kenneth since the amateurs and I’ve learned so much from him,” he said. “My good friend Kenneth Sims Jr. gave me great sparring and is another lightweight prospect to keep an eye on.”

Sims (3-0) is also on Thursday’s fight card.

While a bigger name like Joseph Diaz fights in California the same night on Fox Sports, it’s usually the young fighter in the shadows of the bigger TV telecast that puts on the best show. Martinez is well on his way to bigger cards with his power punch combinations and fast hands. But until then he’ll continue on as a young, hungry fighter with the dream of a world title always in his view.

– Leann Perez
Contributor for BehindTheGloves.com

Sergey Kovalev vs Bernard Hopkins review

When Sergey Kovalev and Bernard Hopkins entered the ring Saturday night, both were without a doubt ready for all possible scenarios.

Hopkins (55-7-2) proving that age is just a number, wanted to continue making history and Kovalev (26-0-1) hoping to continue on with his undefeated record. What fight fans didn’t expect, was the stellar performance by the fast rising Russian star.

What worked for Kovalev?

The best thing that Kovalev could do for himself Saturday night was throw out any and all game plans. The best plan for attack was to have no plan at all, as we didn’t see Kovalev start the fight in his usual high pace, killer style.

Mike Tyson said it best, “everyone has a plan till they get hit in the mouth.”

Without taking any first hits, Kovalev quickly adjusted to the slower pace that Hopkins set forth. With Hopkins using faint movements, he forced Kovalev to come forward and use his jab to cut off the ring. The strong jab to the body from Kovalev, paused Hopkins and gave Kovalev the opportunity to follow up with the right hand. As Kovalev was able to push Hopkins against the ropes, that was where Hopkins took the most punishment, not allowing Hopkins to use his legs and reset.

It was actually at one point in round one that Hopkins was pushing off the ropes and Kovalev landed a right hand to the temple of Hopkins and sent him down, for the first knockdown of the night. Hopkins quickly showed his years of experience as he continued after the knockdown by staying on the move, forcing Kovalev back to fighting at Hopkins’ pace.

A patient Kovalev chased after Hopkins, using his jab to set up for more connections, and it was the aggression from Kovalev that never allowed Hopkins to put his foot on the gas.

What happened to B-Hop?

Hopkins has been surprising us all by putting on boxing clinics to every opponent he’s faced the last couple years. Hopkins was taking rising prospects one by one and handing them their first loss, and doing so in incredible fashion. This is how “The Alien” took his fame.

Who knew that an active 49-year-old man, could look so good in the ring? For the first time, we saw every bit of Hopkins age. Although it may have been his game plan to take Kovalev into the later rounds, Hopkins never pulled the trigger. He landed some good right hands to the body of Kovalev, and short hooks to the chin, but it never seemed to phase Kovalev.

The only time everyone, including Kovalev, forgot that a 49 year old was in the ring was the 12^th round. Hopkins took a good hit and stuck his tongue out at Kovalev, stopped all the movement and was willing to exchange. Against the ropes the whole time, Hopkins took some major punishment as Kovalev teed off and landed almost every punch he threw. Kovalev threw every punch with the intention of knockout behind it. Thankfully there wasn’t much time left in the round, as Hopkins could have been seriously hurt.

As the decision was called, and Kovalev was named the new unified WBO, WBA and IBF champ, it was all class from both fighters.

Hopkin’s told Max Kellerman, “I have much respect for a man who wants to fight anybody, that is what boxing should be about.”

Kovalev went on to say, “Hopkins has the chance to be a champ again, he will beat Adonis Stevenson.”

The crowd in Atlantic City chanted “B-Hop” at the end of the night, thankful they saw a legendary fighter, future hall of famer, take on the scariest man in the division.

Whether Hopkins continues on with his career or not is 50-50 he says.

“It’s been 50-50 though, ever since I turned 40,” he told Kellerman.

Kovalev hopes that with the ‘cold war’ coming to an end, that this brings forth any and all of the best fights he can get. Fight fans can’t wait to see what’s next for the new king who’s taken the thrown in the light heavyweight division.

– Leann Perez / @LeannPerez_

– Contributor to www.BehindtheGloves.com

David Lemieux seeks eighth straight victory Dec. 6

Fight fans were excited when Gabriel Rosado’s return to an actual boxing ring against James Kirkland was announced.

Rosado (21-8, 13 KOs) was eager to put his career back on track, after losing three of his last four fights and with the successful debut win over Bryan Vera in Big Knockout Boxing. But Kirkland withdrew from the November bout and Rosado’s team was forced to quickly schedule a match to keep their hungry fighter active. Golden Boy Promotions announced Monday that Rosado would return Dec. 6 against Montreal’s David Lemieux.

Real fight fans know the name and know that the 25-year-old Lemieux (32-2, 30 KOs) is an impressive fighter. Many might be unfamiliar with Lemieux, as he has only fought in his native Canada. But he will be introduced to a broader audience as he makes his United States debut against Rosado in December.

Lemieux started boxing at the age of nine but never made the bid to join the Canadian Olympic team as advised by his then trainer Russ Anber, although having the potential. Making his pro-debut at 18, Lemieux was quickly signed to multi-fight contracts and became a crowd favorite in Montreal.

In 2011, Lemieux was the main feature of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights against Marco Antonio Rubio. Rubio just met the mercy of middleweight champ Gennady Golovkin last week on HBO. For the first half of the fight, Lemieux threw with tremendous power, hurting Rubio and overwhelming him with his high output. It wasn’t until Lemieux started to run out of gas that Rubio was able to turn the fight around and exchange with Lemieux. Rubio dropped Lemieux in the seventh round and continued to put on heavy pressure, forcing his corner to throw in the towel. In what could have been the biggest win of his career to date, Lemieux was simply inexperienced and needed to go back and work on his consistency.

Lemieux suffered his second career loss to former world champion Joachim Alcine later that year. But since 2011, Lemieux refocused and has won his last seven fights, including an impressive third round KO over Fernando Guerrero on Showtime back in May.

What makes Lemieux so impressive is his style, ‘old school’ being the best way to describe it. He sets in a squared up stance, with heavy feet, rushing forward in a Mike Tyson sort of way. Lemieux has a broad physique and throws disastrous hooks to the body. With Rosado’s well-known brawler style, fans can expect fireworks from this match up, as both men will stand willing to exchange until the other is down on the mat.

Lemieux took to his Twitter account to express his excitement for his next bout.

“Out of my 34 fights I’ve never been so eager to step in the ring,” he tweeted. “I know Rosado comes to fight, but I hope he knows what he’s facing.”

With Lemieux ready to take his career to the next level, this fight can easily be a ‘fight of the year’ candidate and a great way to end the year for fight fans. Regardless of the outcome Dec. 6, Lemieux’s name will be well known.

– Leann Perez

Can Ruslan Provodnikov return to winning ways against top-tier opponents?

When Chris Algieri entered the ring to face Ruslan Provodnikov last June, many did not expect the underdog to be victorious in such impressive fashion.

Over the past three years, Provodnikov (23-3) has given fight fans incredible fights and faced tough opposition such as Mauricio Herrera, Timothy Bradley and Mike Alvarado. The Herrera fight, in 2011, was an all out war and a rematch is one of the highest rematches in demand. The Bradley match-up in March 2013 was one of Provodnikov’s most controversial losses and he took the title and heart away from Alvarado in his own backyard in Denver last October.

Coming off such an impressive streak, Provodnikov was to breeze past the young New Yorker, Algieri (20-0), and started the fight off with a bang. Provodnikov knocked Algieri down twice in the opening round. The rest of the fight showed much difficulty for Provodnikov, as Algieri found his rhythm and fought one tough fight, with practically one eye.

After the fight went the 12 round distance, Algieri was crowned thewinner and new champion. Algieri enjoying life now, living at the next level of top fighters, faces Manny Pacquiao Nov. 22 in Macao. A humble Provodnikov admitted, Algieri’s style is not his favorite and does not work well for him. Provodnikov is a ‘phone booth’ fighter. He fights best when he comes forward and uses his power to overwhelm his opponents and eventually make them wilt. Algieri is your typical boxer, pops his shots at long range and dances around opponent all with high-punch output.

Ideally the fight styles never work well together, unless you get the brawler who can cut off the ring well enough to stop the elusive movement of the boxer. This wasn’t the case for Provodnikov that night at The Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn. And it may never be the case for him.

Will Provodnikov always have to fight someone whose style mirrors that of his own? Maybe this is the reason fight fans have not seen any activity from Provodnikov since June. Although there were many rumored matchups of Provodnikov vs. Brandon Rios, or the Herrera rematch.

Small negotiations were allegedly made for these fights in Russia. All great fights, but ironically, the fighting styles are ideal for Provodnikov. Rios, known for his come-forward style, and Herrera with his no-mercy, all heart way of fighting, is perfect for Provodnikov. Had the fight not be intended to take place in Russia, the second fight with Bradley would likely the most sense for both fighters. But Bradley, is now expected to face Diego Chaves on Dec. 13.

But after carefully picking thru opponents, Provodnikov is to face Jose Luis Castillo this December. Castillo, although 40 years old, has a pretty stacked resume which includes names like Stevie Johnston, Alfonso Gomez, Diego Corrales and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Supposing this fight was put together to create a ‘confidence boost’ for Provodnikov, it’s an absolute guarantee that this opponent will stay in front of him, be willing to exchange and give him the sort of fight that he likes to fight.

Algieri laid out the blueprint for fighting and beating Provodnikov.

And for a fighter with many more fights still left in him, that’s pretty dangerous. While Castillo is not the fight that fans wanted to see for Provodnikov, it sure could be a safe fight. The blueprint could be changed with small adjustments in training by going back to the drawing board and always willing to get better. Learning to fight on your toes, cutting off the ring, and punching from different angles could be all that is needed to change the game for Provodnikov. It may also entice other fighters to step foot in the ring with Provodnikov rather than picking the safe route on opponents.

Provodnikov has the makes of putting his career back on the sky rocket that it once was on when he held the WBO light welterweight world title.

– Leann Perez/ @LeannPerez_

Contributor for www.BehindTheGloves.com