Ruslan Provodnikov is going to make his trainer Freddie Roach make a tough decision at some point in the months to come. The man known as the Siberian Rocky in boxing circles, is hell-bent on making a fight with Manny Pacquiao. The two men share trainers and a thirst to be boxings best.
Provodnikov first has to get past the up and coming Chris Algieri on Saturday night, June 14, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark.
Provodnikov sat down with BlackSportsOnline to discuss his love for moose liver, the reason big named fighters are avoiding him and his love for Freddie Roach.
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BSO: Ruslan thank you for your time. How does it feel to be fighting in New York City?
RP: I’m very happy to be fighting in New York. I’m happy to be the first big Russian fighter to fight at the Barclays Center.
BSO: Where did the nickname “Siberian Rocky” come from?
RP: The nickname Siberian Rocky to me means that a lot. It means to never give up.
BSO: Where are you from Ruslan? Tell us a little about your upbringing?
RP: was born in Beryozovo, a small village in Siberia. I had a very hard upbringing. Hard work. I was discovered in Ekaterinburg by my current promoters and managers. It’s cold there. I enjoy the cold. I finished high school and graduated from a local University, majoring in physical culture and sports.
BSO: Whats it like working with Freddie Roach, and what has he meant for your career?
RP: Freddie is great. He always has me prepared and he believes in me.
BSO: How do you plan to attack Algieri? Can we expect your normal output of punches and relentless pressure?
RP: Yes pressure, pressure, pressure. I just want to smother him.
BSO: Do you feel that the big named fighters are avoiding you, and if so, what can you do to change that?
RP: No, it does not bother me. I’m very loyal to my space in life and Chris is a great opponent. He’s a great fighter. And this is what happened and this is the way it should have been. I know my time will come.