Not many giving algieri a chance, but he has precisely the kind of style that would give ruslan problems. We haven't seen algieri but once against Taylor, but it was evident that hes a very slick boxer with a nice long jab. I still think provodnikov will close the distance and dismantle algieri, but given Algieri's conditioning, which I understand is excellent, and his speedy slick style I think it could be interesting for awhile. Lets also not forget the ever present danger of provodnikovs face cutting up. For the record I'm taking ruslan by stoppage. Aside from the experience, world class training, strength, and ability to cut the ring off on opponents I have a hard time taking the pre med long island rich kid who boxes becuz he's "passionate" about it over a guy like ruslan who came up the hard way from a frozen Siberian village and boxed cuz he didn't know much else aside from day to day survival in Siberian poverty. However, like I said, algieri is a great, very well conditioned athlete who possesses the precise attributes that should, in theory, cause provodnikov trouble. May be in for a fun night. provodnikovs notable fights with boxers have been very entertaining and he did well enough in them to win in a lot of fans opinions. Anyone watch the one algieri fight I'm aware was on TV? Against Emmanuel Taylor? What you think? He got a shot against ruslan?
No, I'm with you, I don't think he has much of a shot. I think Provo is not tested on this night, which is why he was disappointed when he saw who he would be matched against. Looking very forward to seeing Provo in action again.
I've watched Algieri in a few fights on youtube, he's talented, he may be able to keep Ruslan at bay for awhile but he will probably get to him late, although he could win on points if he has a good enough chin. Herrera did beat Provo on points it wasn't a gift, so its possible Algieri can do it.
I gave the Herrera fight to provodnikov by a decent margin, But that was a great fight with a couple swing rounds. That was before sparring pacquiao and being trained by roach. I think ruslan has improved quite a bit since then. Algieri is a lot bigger and longer than Herrera tho.
I don't much about Algeri so I hope he comes out and makes it a fight .. Anyone going in the area going yo this ? Not expecting to be that expensive ..
I must of given the swing rounds to Herrera, Herrera took more of a beating but I thought he outworked Ruslan. Ruslan has gotten alot better, but I was taking Algieri size into account as well, it might pose some problems. Although it didn't help Alvarado all that much, then again Algieri hasn't been in as many wars as Mike.
Algeiri looks amateurish, like he fights scared and doesn't commit to punches. Also covers up when under pressure instead of moving away, like he freezes. I expect a mid rounds stoppage.
I think Algieri is going to impress a lot of people this weekend whether he wins or loses. Mostly because everyone is completely dismissing him as a tune up fight opponent that doesn't belong on HBO. The guy has skills and is in great shape. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he schools Provo for a few rounds before getting stopped late. I think he even has a decent chance at pulling the upset, especially if Provo is taking him as lightly as most fans are.
Algieri is a talented fighter - but I think he is taking on Ruslan 2 or 3 fights too soon. He has the talent, but not the level of polish to take Ruslan the distance and win. Unless he is able to bring his game to another level next weekend. Which has happened in the past.. In his last fight he seemed to still hesitate just a bit too much, be just a little too slow on the draw to take on Ruslan. He was OK versus that opponent but I was watching the fight with an eye to how I thought he might stack up.
Wow never looked up specifics but Algieri is 5' 11" with a 72" reach vs provodnikov who's 5' 6" with a 67.5" reach. 5 in. Height advantage and 4.5 in. Reach. That's a lot to overcome.
Ruslan will make it an inside fight, where he will be more effective with his shorter arms. I think Algieri is a good fighter but the styles here favor Ruslan. Ruslan is a mini Mike Tyson. Algieri is a mini Michael Spinks.