Ruslan Provodnikov-Chris Algieri done for June 14 on HBO at Nassau Coliseum

Ruslan Provodnikov-Chris Algieri done for June 14 on HBO at Nassau Coliseum

A press release Thursday afternoon announced that WBO junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov will face Chris Algieri on his home turf at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, N.Y., June 14 on HBO.

What the fight lacks in perceived competitiveness it makes up for in projected atmosphere. Algieri should be able to attract a sizable fanbase, and like Danny Garcia against Mauricio Herrera, maybe Provodnikov has trouble.

Algieri got a career best win over Emmanuel Taylor on ESPN2 in February, but Provodnikov represents a large jump up in caliber of fighter. Provodnikov’s lone loss is to the same Herrera that troubled Garcia a month ago, and Algieri is similarly skilled in that he’s a boxer that lacks a big punch. If Algieri can somehow handle Provodnikov’s power the way Herrera did, it could be a solid fight.

-Mark E. Ortega / @MarkEOrtega

-Managing editor at www.BehindTheGloves.com