Algieri, who originally took kickboxing as a career, earned his title shot by being the only guy available for the limited budget from the networks. His undefeated record has come against the kind of opponents prospects wouldn't lose to, but he has yet to show that he is beyond that particular level, let alone facing a champion like Provodnikov.
Many said the same about Provodnikov ahead of his fight with Timothy Bradley last year, and that tune changed after his rivetting performance. Can Algieri spring what could be the upset of the year?
Ruslan Provodnikov (26-2, 19 KO) vs. Chris Algieri (19-0, 9 KO)
WBO Junior Welterweight Championship
Power: Provodnikov
Speed: Algieri
Durability: Provodnikov
Recent Form: Provodnikov
X-Factor: Can Algieri's advantages in height and reach dispel Provodnikov's offense?
For Algieri to do the unthinkable, especially as a 5/1 underdog, he's going to have to make use of every inch he has being taller and longer than Provodnikov. In his last fight against Emmanuel Taylor, another unproven prospect, Algieri dominated the highly touted Taylor by showing off his defensive talents and outboxed him to win without too much effort.
Another advantage that he has working for him is that Provodnikov isn't exactly an enigma when it comes to how to beat him. Provodnikov is going to come at Algieri, always attacking and aggressively looking to land a debilitating power punch and whatever other leather he can. While Provodnikov looked like a monster in the first two rounds of the Bradley fight, he made sure to return the favor by giving up all the middle rounds by getting tagged over and over by Bradley until he started a furious last round rally.
Not to mention, Mauricio Herrera also used a mix of brain and brawn to eke out a decision against him a few years back. Algieri knows that he of nine knockouts isn't going to win a fistfight with Provodnikov, but it isn't outside of the question to suggest that he can use his skill to disrupt his rhythm and have enough defense to survive those vicious charges.
As mentioned before, Algieri has a height advantage but can often hunch over and give that advantage away, which would poorly serve him if that habit makes itself known Saturday night. We know Provodnikov is going to go right at him, but if Algieri can't take the heat and decides to get on his bicycle, Provodnikov has shown that he knows how to cut off the ring and make the most of whatever he lands.
The only way this fight will be interesting is if Algieri takes the flush shots from Provodnikov in good stride while being able to return fire as to not give up ground to the champ. Should the fight devolve into a war of attrition, or Algieri is unable to shudder the swarming offense of the champion, it's hard to see the fight any other way but violently for him.
We know what Provodnikov is capable of, but we can't say the same for the challenger. There could be an upset here if he had more rounds against sterner foes, but outside of calamity, there's nothing that suggests Provodnikov will watch a potential fight with Manny Pacquiao get wrested away from him by this anomaly of a challenger.
In a fight that lasts maybe a few rounds longer than it has to, expect Ruslan Provodnikov to drop, batter and stop Chris Algieri within seven rounds.
Another advantage that he has working for him is that Provodnikov isn't exactly an enigma when it comes to how to beat him. Provodnikov is going to come at Algieri, always attacking and aggressively looking to land a debilitating power punch and whatever other leather he can. While Provodnikov looked like a monster in the first two rounds of the Bradley fight, he made sure to return the favor by giving up all the middle rounds by getting tagged over and over by Bradley until he started a furious last round rally.
Not to mention, Mauricio Herrera also used a mix of brain and brawn to eke out a decision against him a few years back. Algieri knows that he of nine knockouts isn't going to win a fistfight with Provodnikov, but it isn't outside of the question to suggest that he can use his skill to disrupt his rhythm and have enough defense to survive those vicious charges.
As mentioned before, Algieri has a height advantage but can often hunch over and give that advantage away, which would poorly serve him if that habit makes itself known Saturday night. We know Provodnikov is going to go right at him, but if Algieri can't take the heat and decides to get on his bicycle, Provodnikov has shown that he knows how to cut off the ring and make the most of whatever he lands.
The only way this fight will be interesting is if Algieri takes the flush shots from Provodnikov in good stride while being able to return fire as to not give up ground to the champ. Should the fight devolve into a war of attrition, or Algieri is unable to shudder the swarming offense of the champion, it's hard to see the fight any other way but violently for him.
We know what Provodnikov is capable of, but we can't say the same for the challenger. There could be an upset here if he had more rounds against sterner foes, but outside of calamity, there's nothing that suggests Provodnikov will watch a potential fight with Manny Pacquiao get wrested away from him by this anomaly of a challenger.
In a fight that lasts maybe a few rounds longer than it has to, expect Ruslan Provodnikov to drop, batter and stop Chris Algieri within seven rounds.
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