If Deontay Wilder represents the “Bomb Squad,” Ruslan Provodnikov rightfully represents the “IYFBM Squad.”
“Siberian Rocky” returned to the ring and so did the “In Your Face Ballistic Missile” from the 31-year-old Russian in a fourth-round stoppage of previously undefeated Jesus Alvarez.
Provodnikov, a former WBO World super lightweight champion, moved up to 147-pounds for the third time in his career, and for the first time since stopping former world champion Jose Luis Castillo last November.
Alvarez came into this fight having knocked out 11 of his 14 opponents. However, over half of those opponents were either making their professional debut, or had losing records.
For example, back in February, Alvarez faced the previously 6-20-1 Bryan Abraham and won via third-round TKO.
It was evident from the first round that Alvarez did not belong in the same ring as Provodnikov.
Provodnikov cut the ring off and made Alvarez uncomfortable throughout the first in a feeling out round.
Although Alvarez did catch Provodnikov with a few jabs coming in during the second round, they were ineffective.
Provodnikov exemplified his improvement on his defensive technique under new trainer Joel Diaz, as he blocked shots effectively, and utilized his head movement to come back with an uppercut of his own.
While in the corner leading up to the third round, Diaz told his fighter to blast him more on the inside with the left hook.
When Provodnikov did just that, the noise of Diaz screaming, ‘There you go!’ was shrill.
With every shot that landed for Provodnikov, there was thrill and feverishness in the crowd. However, that translated to pain for Alvarez, who commenced throwing punches in desperation just to stay upright.
In the fourth, Provodnikov cracked Alvarez with a right hand that sent the Mexican wobbling into the ropes. After taking fierce lefts and rights, Alvarez succumbed to the blows and took a seat on the mat.
The referee allowed the fight to continue, but Provodnikov went back to business and floored him again signaling the end of the bout.
Provodnikov improved to 25-4 while Alvarez dropped to 14-1.
– Ryan O’Hara @OHaraSports
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