“Siberian Rocky” May Be Done
Former junior welterweight world champion Ruslan Provodnikov sayshe is unlikelyto ever return to the ring. The “Siberian Rocky”, Provodnikov’s nickname, was definitely a fan favorite with his head first “may the toughest man” survive style.
We last saw him in theringinJune of 2016, when helost to John Molina via an unanimous decision.That was his first fight on a new deal with Showtime Boxing but the loss obviously derailed future plans.
His fights withTim Bradley, Mike Alvarado, Lucas Matthysse and otherswere pure excitementand what made him such an attraction to fans. Provodnikov, 25-5 18KO, is only 33 yearsold but has been in some wars over his 30 fight career and surprisingly with his style has never been stopped. He didn’t rule out as possible return but said:
“Who knows [what could happen in the future], there may be an offer that will be interesting to me. While I attend boxing events and fights – I understand that I do not have the desire to enter the ring. I am more comfortable outside the ring, when I’m there as a guest. I train for pleasure, for myself, for fun, I work so much, I get up almost every day at 4 am. I do not have enough time [in the day], but I feel it necessary, I have something to do,” Provodnikov said.
“I’m happy right now. When would I reach the point of no return? Honestly, I do not know, but probably I’m already there in principle. It is probably unlikely that I will return to the ring.”
With a successful political career in Russia and a few other business ventures it would be completely understandable for him to walk away. If we’ve seen the last of Ruslan Provodnikov, the fans have definitely enjoyed it.
By: Chris Henderson
You can follow Chris on Twitter @4CornersBoxin
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I’m very proud of him as a fighter to stop boxing now because with his boxing Style Kamikaze Style all balls action fighter no backing up style only a few years of fighting is really in a fighter like that I’m glad he’s retired or doesn’t have any need to go back into the ring he did his time what is title his championship he’s moving on to other things now hope for the best
Loved to watch him fight! Not exactly the most advisable way of course but man he just wanted to fight.