Chris Algieri may be underrated. I watched two of his recent fights, and although he won, he wasn't dominant or really impressive. I immediately thought, "Ruslan is going to knock him out". But his wikipedia page says he was karate world champion, and kickboxing world champion. Those are two combat sports that require better leg coordination than boxing does. Robert Garcia watched him train and said the fight will be competitive. Is anyone betting money on Algieri? And if so, do you see something that most people don't?:huh
he telegraphs his jab, doesnt use his height, sometimes comes and throws on the inside for whatever reason, doesnt have identifiable style, is a warrior but is not as mentally strong as ruslan, but his stamina and arms muscles endurance is pretty epic
"On June 14 in the ring it will be the same hungry fighter who has nothing to lose and is willing to do anything to win this fight. I’m not afraid to lose this fight or any other fight because I know the title or the win doesn’t get you the money or the respect or the popularity. Boxers, including Chris, are making a mistake thinking a title is going too get you any of that. What I have, even if you were to beat me you can’t take it away from me…the support of all my fans, you can’t take that away from me." ~Ruslan Provodnikov Via Fight-News
Got to love ruslan's attitude. No fukin bull****. Like ruslan said win or lose he will bring it. Fighting like it was his last fight. :bbb
People were giving Ruslan the same chance against Bradley that they are giving Algieri now. You never know, this could be Algieri's breakout fight.
I think Ruslan is about 2 fights too early for Algieri. That being said, he is a fitness freak, so if he can avoid taking anything big and make it to the back half of the fight intact he might have a chance. At least his physical conditioning is A-class, even if his skills and power arent. He has a tall order ahead of him though. But it should be a good fight.
He is very mentally tough, extremely dedicated, very athletic and skilled. He was a wrestler, who turned kickboxer. He was a 20-0, multi-weight division world champion in professional kickboxing, and now he's turned to boxing and he's 19-0. He knows how to win. Although he's NEVER fought on this scale before. I think he's going to give everything he is potentially capable of tomorrow night, and I hope that it will be enough. However, I am worried about this fight due to the styles. I think Chris will have a very hard time keeping Ruslan off him. I also think Chris may overrate his own defense in this fight. I hope not.
