Bye Freddie Roach, Hello Joel Diaz
Bruiser and former 140lb champ Ruslan Provodnikov has ditched trainer Freddie Roach in favor of Joel Diaz, a world renowned trainer best known for partnering with Welterweight champ Timothy Bradley. So why did Provodnikov (24-4, 17 KO) feel the urge to wave goodbye to Hall of Famer, Roach?
No idea. But it could stem from a few reasons, like Roach not being able to attend Provodnikov’s big Mike Alvarado and Lucas Matthysse fights. There’s some speculation that Roach didn’t instill any defensive strategy into Provodnikov, but really, that is reaching. Provodnikov’s charging-bull style will likely never incorporate much ‘finesse’.
I’d love to be proved wrong, however – Provodnikov would be one formidable fighter if he could prove more of an elusive target. Good luck to the fan-friendly, throw-back favorite.
DeGale Eyeing Marquee Super Middleweight Names
IBF Super Middleweight champ James DeGale has his eye on some of the division’s biggest names. If you’re a British fan hoping to see George Groves on the list, I’m sorry to tell you he didn’t make the cut.
After conquering Lucian Bute on November 28th, DeGale, an Olympic Gold Medalist, told Sky Sports he wants to fight the best.
“I’m looking at [Andre] Ward, I’m looking at [Andre] Dirrell again, I’m looking at [Arthur] Abraham, the big fighters,” DeGale said. “I just want to get in there and box the best. I know on my day I am very, very hard to beat, so it’s all looking good.”
Let’s see how the fella gets on with Bute first. My money’s on DeGale all the way, but you never know what Bute might bring to what will likely be his last world title shot.
Hot Prospect Felix Verdejo Back in October
If you haven’t yet heard of Puerto Rican hot property, Felix Verdejo, shame on you! The Lightweight, who is considered to be one of the future’s brightest stars, recently had surgery on his left hand but will be back in the ring on October 31st.
The 22-year-old will headline a ‘Solo Boxeo Tecate’ card in Kissimmee, Florida, where he will find Brazil’s Josenilson Dos Santos (27-3, 17 KO). Verdejo, who is promoted by Top Rank, followed a strict rehabilitation program following his hand surgery, said Vice President Carl Moretti.
We look forward to seeing Verdeji (18-0, 13 KO) back in the ring soon.
Andre Dirrell Pulls Out of Blake Caparello Bout
In other boxing news, Andre Dirrell (24-2, 16 KO), who was set to face Blake Caparello (21-1-1, 6 KO) on October 17th’s PBC on NBC card, has pulled out of the clash due to an injury. The details of the affliction are not yet known.
The Super Middleweight bout would have represented a sort-of comeback fight for Dirrell since losing a close decision to James DeGale in May, which saw Dirrell’s IBF strap change hands.
Give us your thoughts on any of the above boxing news, fight fans. Did Ruslan Provodnikov make the right move by ditching Freddie Roach for Joel Diaz? Is James DeGale overlooking Lucian Bute by eyeing Super Middleweight top talents too soon? Spill your thoughts below…
