Mike Alvarado vs Ruslan Provodnikov could be next, says Bob Arum

Bob Arum had plenty to say about who's next for last night's fighters -- Brandon Rios is in line to face Manny Pacquiao, he wants Nonito Donaire to fight Jorge Arce, and he also said he'd like to see Mike Alvarado face Ruslan Provodnikov for the vacant WBO junior welterweight title.

Alvarado (33-1, 23 KO) lost to Brandon Rios in a jaw-dropping display of violence last night, but lost no respect or status in the sport. While the fight was a WBO eliminator at 140, with Rios winning and thus being in line for the title, there are larger things at play here. If Rios seriously is up next for Pacquiao (or Juan Manuel Marquez, or Timothy Bradley, whatever) for next year, he won't be staying at 140, most likely, and he won't be fighting for that title at any rate. Marquez is vacating the WBO belt.

So that means it opens up, and Alvarado-Provodnikov could, I guess, happen, if the wheels are greased and the WBO signs off on it. It's not the best vacant title fight, but it is not the worst, and despite that being my least favorite way to "review" or "criticize" anything in the history of time, I'm saying it anyway.

The good news is that Alvarado against Provodnikov (22-1, 15 KO) would be good action. My gut feeling is that Alvarado would seriously overpower Provodnikov, who is sort small for 140, while Alvarado is a big junior welter, but the action would be there.