David Avanesyan vs. Charlie Navarro & Ruslan Provodnikov vs. Jesus Rodríguez RBR

Round 3

Rodríguez is catching Provodnikov with head-snapping jabs but giving lots of ground and getting hit with a well-timed inclining 1-2. Provodnikov is taking his time, using the jab to maneuver Rodríguez where he wants him, being the ring general and placing his big punches very well to head and body. Rodríguez boldly leans in for a double jab and soft right between the eyes but quickly backs off.

10-9 Provo

30-27 Provo

 

Round 4

Rodríguez is hurt, and Provodnikov gives him space, possibly upon verbal request from the referee. Unclear whether there was a headbutt or low blow or something. Rodríguez is looking at the ref, appearing to plead for extra time but the ref doesn't feel any is necessary. Time in, and Provodnikov hurts Rodríguez with a series of hooks and rights. Very nice measured attack from Provodnikov, all bombs yet strung together fluidly and keeping himself responsibly compact with each hand returning to his face while not in flight. Rodríguez hurt repeatedly and driven into the ropes. Provodnikov mixing in long, spiteful rights slapping beneath Rodríguez's elbows and then ripping the head with line drive rights and left hooks. Waved off!

TKO4!!

 

If you track Rodríguez's body language for the entire half minute leading up to it, the stoppage was actually on point IMO. He was getting taken apart psychologically and was about to start getting seriously abused once he shelled up on the ropes (or worse, opened up with misguided aspirations to counter his way free)

 

Best performance ever by Provodnikov.

Granted, an unproven opponent with a padded zero, but still...