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Chris Algieri ‘close’ on ‘perfect fight’ vs. Ruslan Provodnikov

Fighters Network
04
Apr

The promoter of unbeaten junior welterweight Chris Algieri said that a deal is "very close" to completion for "the perfect fight" against WBO 140-pound beltholder Ruslan Provodnikov on June 14 on HBO potentially from New York.

"As far as I'm concerned, we're all done. We're ready to roll. chris is excited for the fight, we're excited for the fight," said Joe DeGuardia, CEO of Star Boxing.

"I love the fight. It's a perfect opportunity and its the perfect fight for Chris. I love the fight from my standpoint, and if everything was in my hands, then I would consider it done. I believe that it will happen."

On Thursday, Provodnikov's manager, Vadim Kornilov, confirmed to RingTV.com on that "The Siberian Rocky" was also "close" to accepting a bout against Algieri.



"Algieri looks like the likely opponent to be fighting Ruslan on June 14," said Kornilov, citing conversations with Provodnikov's promoter Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions. "After talking to Artie Pelullo, it seems like everything is coming to a close toward making that fight specifically against Algieri."

Pelullo was attending his daughter's wedding on Friday and could not be reached for an immediate comment.

"Artie Pelullo sent us a copy of the provision of services agreement that he sent to Algieri's promoter, Joe DeGuardia," said Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who co-promotes Provodnikov. "I assume that it will be signed and that he will be fighting Algieri. But the guy who is really carrying the ball here is Pelullo."

The likely undercard could feature junior middleweight Brian Rose (25-1-1, 7 knockouts) challenging WBO titleholder Demetrius Andrade (20-0, 13 KOs), in accordance with an earlier report by RingTV.com.

"Algieri looks like the likely opponent to be fighting Ruslan on June 14," said Kornilov, citing conversations with promoter Artie Pelullo of Banner Promotions. "After talking to Artie Pelullo, it seems like everything is coming to a close toward making that fight specifically against Algieri."

Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KOs) was last in the ring for a 10th-round stoppage of Mike Alvarado, whom he floored twice on the way to winning his belt in October.

Prior to facing Alvarado, Provodnikov lost a unanimous decision to WBO welterweight titleholder Tim Bradley in THE RING's 2013 Fight of the Year.

The 30-year-old Algieri (19-0, 8 KOs) was last in the ring for last month's unanimous decision over Emmanuel Taylor.

"It's a phenomenal opportunity. It's not a done deal yet, but I expect that it will be. As I said, I think that it's the perfect fight for Chris," said DeGuardia. "There are a few different venues in the running. It's one of those things that you jump on because the timing is perfect, especially if it turns out to be in New York."

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