According to Max Boxing, this fight is scheduled for March 16th, on HBO. Does anyone know anything about Provodnikov? Is he a worthy challenger? If so, what are his strengths and weaknesses? Does he pose any threat to Bradley (a different question than whether or not he's a worthy challenger).
Well, Provodnikov is a junior welter for one, so he'll be moving up. His strengths are that he's physically strong, durable, and can crack. Doesn't have Matthyse type power, but he's heavy handed. His weaknesses are that he's pretty slow, easy to hit, and his face marks up pretty easily. Even though he has 1 loss on his record, he's really undefeated. He got robbed blind against Maurcio Herrera. Having said that, I FULLY expect him to have his first real loss against Bradley. Provo doesn't have much of a chance. He's just far too slow, and limited to compete with Bradley. Timmy will win virtually every round IMO, but I'll rooting for Provo big time. If Provo were in with a Rios, or Maidana, I'd give him a very good chance, but Bradley is just the wrong style matchup for him, and just a higher quality fighter.
Oh he's moving up? That alone makes me less interested in this fight. I'm so tired of 140 pound fights taking place at 147. Add to that that Provo's style is one of strength and power? And it's easy to see why Bradley's taking this fight. It's too bad Bradley was the benefactor of one of the worst decisions I've seen in my life (and like a lot of us I've seen many). Whether or not it should, it's hard to imagine that doesn't hurt his popularity.
Bradley should look like a million bucks in this fight. But yeah, everybody will always know him for getting a gift decision against an over the hill Pac.
If he can hang with Bradley early, I think he'll be able to hang with him late. He has good stamina and he throws a lot of punches. But Bradley is the clear pick.
If Provodnikov had no losses and 6 fewer wins and had never been seen before, this would be one of Bradley's biggest tests!
I'm definitely intersted in this fight. I've seen Provodinikov a few times on FNF. He'll throw a lot of punches. He'll get hit with a lot of punches and will probably have one of his eyes closed after Bradley's forehead attack before all is said and done. But it will be entertaining for as long as it lasts. opcorn: :shadow:
