I went with Provodnikov. I just can’t see Malignaggi earning his respect. And Ruslan was a brutal hitter and inside fighter. Tim Bradley had an absolute hell of a time keeping him off. One of the more bloody fights in recent times
Malignaggi would win the early rounds with his jab and good footwork, but his inability to hurt Provodnikov would be his downfall. Provodnikov mangles him and stops him late in the fight.
Provodnikov ragdolls Malignaggi and gives him a beating in the same manner that Shawn Porter gave him.
I don't know because Provodnikov could be lazy with his offence and let fights slip away from him. Really he should've beaten Bradley, Algieri, had he just stepped up a bit more. I could see Provodnikov getting to Malignaggi late but I could also see Malignaggi stealing a decision based on Provodnikov losing to Algieri
Chin and power vs. chin and no power. It'll be a high volume contest - Provodnikov averaged about 700 punches thrown per fight, while Malignaggi averaged closer to 800. Malignaggi would win the jab battle, but if Provodnikov could stay in range he's going to rough Paulie up, especially to his body, where he was historically weak (Hatton, Cherry, Porter, and Eggington all hurt him downstairs, to give a range of examples from throughout his career, including two from his 140lb prime)
