Ruslan Provodnikov and Lucas Matthysse are ready to rumble on some date at some venue. Just so long as it happens, we're all good.
Ruslan Provodnikov says his fight with Lucas Matthysse "looks like" a done deal for April 18, with the fight taking place on the east coast. Previous reports had the fight slated for March 28 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
It looks like I will be fighting @LucasMatthysse on April 18th on East coast on HBO! This is going to be a real war! No running in this one!
— Ruslan Provodnikov (@RuslanProvod) February 20, 2015
Either way, whether it's March 28 or April 18, west coast or east coast, Provodnikov-Matthysse figures to be a potential Fight of the Year candidate, as the two heavy-handed junior welterweight sluggers aren't likely to come out looking to "box," but rather come out looking to "inflict severe bodily harm" on their opponent.
Provodnikov (24-3, 17 KO) went 1-1 last year, losing an upset in June to Chris Algieri before a November tune-up win over faded (I'm being kind) Jose Luis Castillo in Russia. Matthysse (36-3, 34 KO) went 2-0 on the year, scoring knockout wins over John Molina and Roberto Ortiz to rebound from his 2013 loss to Danny Garcia.
HBO will televise the fight.