Bradley vs Provodnikov
“DESERT STORM” BESTS PROVODNIKOV
Los Angeles, CA– In the aftermath of his controversial victory over Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs) last June WBO welterweight 147 lbs.) champion Tim Bradley (30-0, 12 KOs) has had a chip on his shoulder. Out to prove to critics that he’s more than just a winner, but an entertainer, Bradley went toe to toe and blow for blow with limited, but persistent slugger Ruslan Provodnikov (22-2, 15 KOs). Provodnikov, a native of the rugged terrain of Siberia is trained by Freddie Roach and is also the main sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao.
BRADLEY NEARLY HALTED EARLY
Round one saw both fighters battle in what amounts to a proverbial phone booth. Bradley unfortunately gave the one-dimensional Russian an opportunity to land his punches and paid for it dearly. Tim was hurt in rounds one and two by power punches, and at times appeared to be out on his feet. Unfortunately Provodnikov never earned credit for a knockdown that he appeared to earn in that first stanza.
MOMENTUM IN FIGHT SHIFTED
Bradley regained his senses in rounds 3-5 and while Provodnikov remained dangerous throughout and appeared to hurt the American at least once every round, Bradley did most of the work as was evidenced by the damage to Provodnikov’s face after 36 minutes. It was a close scrap down the stretch, but a fight that the Palm Springs, CA native appeared to be controlling with movement and boxing, round 12 was almost a disaster as the Russian continued to apply pressure and scored a knockdown in the waning seconds of the bout.
SCORES WERE CLOSE ACROSS BOARD
Bradley survived and won by scores of 114-113 twice and 115-112. A close bout, but the scores were extremely fair and most rounds were relatively easy to score as the judges were in agreement in the majority of rounds. Bradley had the edge in landed blows of 347 to 218. Both prizefighters stock rose as they produced a thrilling affair.
-Kevin Perry