RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV speaks exclusively to Thomas Gerbasi about his action-packed career in this week’s issue of Boxing News magazine. This is out now on our app and the print version is in stores on Thursday (June 2). Here is an excerpt:
“I never chose to fight the way I fight,” Provodnikov said through manager/translator Vadim Kornilov. “When I was a kid, I used to fight on the streets, and this is the way I fought. That’s actually why I wanted to box, because I fought a lot as a kid and my parents took me to the gym. But I don’t think this is a choice you make. It’s the way you are, it’s part of your character.”
That character led him to a career where he has won 25 of 29 fights, 18 by knockout. Along the way he won a world title, but he may be best remembered for his losses. Two were epic battles with Timothy Bradley and Lucas Matthysse that drew raves for their violence, with a third against Chris Algieri being a fight many believed he won. They’re all sore points with the ultra-competitive Russian, and losing has never sat right with him. I ask about those street fights and whether he lost any.
“I probably wouldn’t say I lost,” he said.
READ THE FULL, EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND MUCH MORE. DOWNLOAD THE LATEST EDITION OF BOXING NEWS MAGAZINE HERE NOW OR BUY THE PRINT EDITION FROM STORES ON THURSDAY (June 2).
