Call it bitterness or simply brutal honesty, but Ruslan Provodnikov isn’t giving the man who took his WBO title, Chris Algieri, much chances of pulling another big upset when he faces Manny Pacquiao this weekend.
Provodnikov lost a split decision to Algieri despite scoring a big knockdown in round one and forcing Algieri to fight through a badly swollen right eye for the remaining 11 rounds. Provodnikov credited Algieri with possessing toughness and ring smarts he hadn’t anticipated.
“Algieri adjusted well in my fight and was able to show that he is a tough fighter,” said Provodnikov. “He had the heart of a lion that night. He had a game plan and he stuck with it even when I had him on the canvas twice in the first round. He’s very smart.”
Having sparred with Pacquiao several times, Provodnikov noted the Filipino fighter’s power, footwork and unpredictability as his strongest assets.
“Manny is very fast, aggressive and sharp. You cannot predict what he will do in the ring which can be a big distraction,” Provodnikov revealed. “And despite his size he does have good power — and in both hands. His footwork is magnificent.”
Provodnikov believes his loss to Algieri should have been prudent viewing during Pacquiao’s camp. He recalls his first round knockdown of Algieri as a costly missed opportunity to end the bout.
“Finish what you start! In my case finish the fight once you get him hurt,” he says.
And any advice to his conqueror Chris Algieri on how to subdue Pacqiuao?
“Run and hide.”
Pacquiao vs. Algieri airs Saturday, November 22 live on pay-per-view beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 