Mike Alvarado vs. Ruslan Provodnikov: Fighters to have Face Off on HBO with Max Kellerman

One of the best fights on tap for this fall just got a little promotional nudge as the upcoming battle between Mike Alvarado and Ruslan Provodnikov is going to have its own Face Off on HBO with the show's usual host, Max Kellerman. No date has been set on when the show will air, but RINGTV's Lem Satterfield is reporting that the two are scheduled to shoot the episode today (Thursday) according to Provodnikov's manager Vadim Kornilov.

I must admit that this seems a little out of left field to me. Not that the fight doesn't deserve the attention, it could be a classic, but neither guy is a huge talker and Provodnikov doesn't speak English. I assume we will "hear" him through subtitles (unless you know Russian, of course). Unfortunately, a language barrier could also inhibit each man's ability to fire back quickly with a retort when they need to have everything translated for a few seconds. It can potentially damage the dynamic. My guess is we will have more than a few shots of Kellerman staring uncomfortably while trying to pry anger out of them, while the audience may have to hold back their laughter at the whole scene. Pretty much like any Face Off that Manny Pacquiao has done.

But who knows? There has been some trash talk already by Alvarado's manager that his man will stop his opponent in the 7th or 8th round, but he won't be the one talking on the show.

Personally, I would rather see a 30-minute Countdown show for these two. Neither is a big name, and I think it would serve the audience well to get to know these guys. I think it would do more for the fight and their careers than an awkward interview would.