Bad Left Hook - Bradley vs Provodnikov: Updates, live results, round-by-round, and full fight week coverageGlobal Boxing News and Commentaryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47131/backingthepack-fave.png2013-03-31T14:08:46-04:00http://www.badlefthook.com/rss/stream/38548612013-03-31T14:08:46-04:002013-03-31T14:08:46-04:00FOTY debate: Bradley-Provodnikov or Rios-Alvarado?
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<p>We've seen a pair of incredible fights in March, early leading candidates for the 2013 Fight of the Year award. Which was the best, and deserves to be considered the leader in the clubhouse?</p> <p>HBO and Top Rank produced a pair of instant classic fights in March, with Timothy Bradley surviving Ruslan Provodnikov on March 16, and last night, Mike Alvarado avenging his 2012 loss to Brandon Rios in another 12-round war.</p>
<p>So what's the early leader for Fight of the Year? Some are saying Rios-Alvarado II, some insist that the arguably more dramatic Bradley-Provodnikov still holds the top spot.</p>
<p><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/boxing--mike-alvarado-brandon-rios-12-round-war-rubber-match-on-tap-064950954.html" target="_blank">Bradley himself thinks that his fight was topped</a>:</p>
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<p>"I think this one by far topped my performance against Provodnikov," Bradley said. "It was a war, a bloody war, and both fighters put their lives on the line."</p>
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<p>That, of course, doesn't mean that you have to agree, and without question, both of these fights were truly great, and really could have been the Fight of the Year last year, too, and 2012 had plenty of really good and great fights.</p>
<p>So what's your early 2013 leader? Is it the surprising brutality of Bradley-Provodnikov, or the predictably excellent Rios-Alvarado II?</p>
https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/3/31/4167580/rios-alvarado-ii-bradley-provodnikov-fight-year-2013-candidates-hbo-boxingScott Christ2013-03-27T16:32:46-04:002013-03-27T16:32:46-04:00Bradley to see concussion specialist
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<figcaption>Kevork Djansezian</figcaption>
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<p>WBO welterweight titlist Timothy Bradley says he's putting his health first and will see a concussion specialist following his brutal win over Ruslan Provodnikov.</p> <p>Timothy Bradley told BoxingScene Radio this week that he is <a href="http://www.boxingscene.com/timothy-bradley-see-concussion-specialist-next-month--63781" target="_blank">going to see a concussion specialist next month in New York</a>, following his win on March 16 over Ruslan Provodnikov. Though Bradley came out a fair winner, the 29-year-old took a ton of punishment to get the decision duke, and appeared to many to be concussed from round one forward.</p>
<p>Bradley says he's putting his health first:</p>
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<p>"It's not about the money or the fame. Health is number one. I am going to do whatever he tells me to do. If he says take three or four weeks off then I will. If he says I can come back in two months then I want to do that. I made an appointment with him, he's a real busy guy and that's the soonest I can see him."</p>
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<p>Bradley (30-0, 12 KO) was hurt in the opening frame by Provodnikov, and was on bad legs through much of the fight. It's a credit to his toughness and ring IQ that he managed to survive the fight and get the win, taking a knee late in the 12th and final round as he was reeling under the intense pressure of a blood-smelling Provodnikov (22-2, 15 KO).</p>
<p>Many worried immediately that Bradley's performance, which in theory might have won him some fans, could have been a sort of career-shortening effort, as he took so many heavy blows to the head that at times he seemed to be surviving on instinct. There's really no doubt that it was the worst beating Timothy Bradley has ever taken in the ring, and that wondering how this will impact his long-term career is a totally valid thought. It was sustained, repeated punishment, not a single KO blow like we saw Manny Pacquiao take against Juan Manuel Marquez, or Paul Williams against Sergio Martinez. This is the sort of stuff that can do real damage.</p>
<p>Hopefully, Bradley is OK and can continue on soon, getting his career back on track. If he's cleared to fight on, he's been mentioned as a possible opponent later this year for Marquez, Pacquiao, or the Rios-Alvarado II winner.</p>
https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/3/27/4154154/timothy-bradley-to-see-concussion-specialist-following-brutal-boutScott Christ2013-03-17T15:52:07-04:002013-03-17T15:52:07-04:00Diaz: Bradley 'hurt in every round'
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<p>Timothy Bradley and Ruslan Provodnikov engaged in a vicious Fight of the Year candidate last night, with Bradley putting himself in serious danger much of the fight, surviving in the end.</p> <p><a href="http://www.badlefthook.com/2013/3/17/4114394/bradley-vs-provodnikov-results-fight-year-scores-decision-hbo-boxing" target="_blank">Timothy Bradley's thrilling win over Ruslan Provodnikov</a> saw the defending WBO welterweight titlist pay a heavy price for a narrow victory, as trainer <a href="http://www.boxingscene.com/diaz-bradley-paid-price-he-hurt-every-round--63459" target="_blank">Joel Diaz says that his fighter was "hurt in every round."</a></p>
<p>The news is probably no surprise to anyone who watched the fight. Bradley (30-0, 12 KO) took some monster shots from Provodnikov, and managed to stay on his feet through some really heavy punishment. The 29-year-old fighter gave back plenty, but in terms of pure damage done, got the short end of the stick compared to Provodnikov.</p>
<p>Bradley was dropped in the first round, though it was erroneously ruled a slip, and officially went down late in the 12th and final round, taking a knee as Provodnikov battered him around the ring, a last-ditch effort to simply survive the fight, and a clever move.</p>
<p>Bradley was concussed at least from round two on, and maybe even from round one. He fought, quite frankly, a very stupid fight, one that put him in harm's way, and one that perhaps he felt he had to, in order to gain the respect of the fans. I don't think anyone doubts his heart, his fortitude, or his toughness anymore. Bradley can't take many more beatings like last night's, though. Nobody can.</p>
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https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/3/17/4116222/bradley-vs-provodnikov-results-hurt-every-round-joel-diaz-video-ambulance-hbo-boxingScott Christ2013-03-17T00:42:26-04:002013-03-17T00:42:26-04:00Results: Bradley survives Provodnikov in war
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<p>Timothy Bradley took a major beating at the hands of Ruslan Provodnikov, but dished enough back to earn a very close unanimous decision win in a Fight of the Year candidate tonight on HBO.</p> <p>Timothy Bradley was expected by most to win comfortably, and even those who expected the fight to be good entertainment couldn't have seen what was coming. Bradley managed to barely survive a hellacious assault from Ruslan Provodnikov, fighting concussed from round two onward, and having to get off the canvas at the end of the 12th round, winning on scores of 114-113, 114-113, and 115-112. BLH had it 114-113 for Bradley.</p>
<p>This is a fight that is going to be in the Fight of the Year race through the rest of 2013. When the year-end awards come in, don't be surprised if this hasn't been topped nine months later. Bradley and Provodnikov went to war tonight in Carson, California, electrifying a small but passionate crowd at the Home Depot Center.</p>
<p>Provodnikov (22-2, 15 KO) was getting to Bradley early and often with his left hook and a looping right hand that just couldn't miss in the first two rounds. In the first round, a knockdown should have been called on Bradley (which also would have made the result a majority draw), but referee Pat Russell totally blew the call and ruled it a slip. Replays were conclusive, even if new HBO talent Steve Weisfeld didn't want to go so far as to just say so. Harold Lederman, who had it 115-112 Bradley, was perfectly happy to call it what it was, however.</p>
<p>In the second round, Bradley (30-0, 12 KO) was rocked all over the ring, clearly out on his feet but managing to survive. That round, too, could have been scored a 10-8 but I personally did feel that Bradley fought back enough and did just enough to earn the nine rather than an eight.</p>
<p>Then, Bradley came alive, and was able to outbox Provodnikov for much of the remainder of the fight. When Bradley was in control, he was firmly in control, but Provodnikov hurt him frequently all night, and really gave Bradley a beating when it was all said and done. It often wasn't enough to give rounds to Provodnikov, but he made a mark in just about every round.</p>
<p>Bradley, to his immense credit, took some punishing blows, and somehow managed to stay on his feet until the very end. Though he'd wobbled several times during the fight, he wasn't officially down until the tail end of the 12th round, and even then, he'd survived a full minute of a Provodnikov onslaught, first getting badly hurt with about 50 seconds left in the fight, and then again with about 30 seconds late. With less than 10 seconds on the clock, Bradley finally went down, but he got to his feet and time expired.</p>
<p>The WBO welterweight titlist got through tonight by the skin of his teeth, but both of these fighters deserve huge respect for the show they put on, and the toughness and grit they each displayed.</p>
https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/3/17/4114394/bradley-vs-provodnikov-results-fight-year-scores-decision-hbo-boxingScott Christ2013-03-16T23:17:08-04:002013-03-16T23:17:08-04:00Results: Vargas wins decision over Omotoso
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<p>Jessie Vargas retained his "0" tonight on HBO, getting past a very competitive Wale Omotoso in a 10-round welterweight co-feature.</p> <p>The battle of unbeaten Top Rank welterweight prospects was a better fight than many anticipated, as Jessie Vargas overcame some early struggles to take a decision win over Wale "Lucky Boy" Omotoso tonight, winning on scores of 96-93, 96-93, and 97-92. BLH had it 95-94 for Vargas, and almost everyone agrees that at the least, the 97-92 card was much too wide.</p>
<p>Vargas (22-0, 9 KO) got himself involved in a bit of a firefight early, which wasn't to his advantage against the bigger, stronger Omotoso (24-1, 19 KO), who had rehydrated nearly 18 pounds up to 164 on the unofficial HBO scales tonight, 10 pounds heavier than Vargas.</p>
<p>Omotoso scored a second round knockdown on a body shot that looked to be mostly blocked, but Vargas wasn't hurt and was able to bounce back. When Vargas had his jab -- his best weapon -- working, he was able to dictate the pace, and Omotoso was seemingly lulled into a sort of temporary hibernation, not throwing enough punches in a fight where, frankly, Vargas was probably considered the "house" fighter.</p>
<p>Neither man looked like a world champion in the making, but both put on a pretty entertaining show tonight, rising to the occasion for the HBO billing. More fights like this wouldn't be unwelcome on the airwaves, I'd say.</p>
https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/3/16/4114230/bradley-vs-provodnikov-results-jessie-vargas-takes-decision-over-waleScott Christ2013-03-16T20:15:26-04:002013-03-16T20:15:26-04:00Marquez wants 147 lb title; Bradley possible?
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<p>Juan Manuel Marquez says he wants to win a fifth world title at welterweight, which would seem to put the kibosh on any immediate plans for a fifth fight with title-less Manny Pacquiao.</p> <p>Mexican star Juan Manuel Marquez still won't commit to a fifth fight with Manny Pacquiao, which the Filipino and the Top Rank team both want to do, <a href="http://www.boxingscene.com/marquez-eyes-fifth-world-crown-fighting-outside-us--63426" target="_blank">saying that he instead wants to target a welterweight title</a>, which would seemingly put WBO titlist Timothy Bradley, in action tonight, in the driver's seat.</p>
<p>Marquez (55-6-1, 40 KO) is still basking in the glow of his biggest and most memorable career win, a shocking sixth round knockout of Pacquiao in December. It has been said the 39-year-old will continue his career, but apparently that's even still up for family discussion, which Marquez says he'll do in April.</p>
<p>Bradley (29-0, 12 KO) is expected to retain his belt tonight against Ruslan Provodnikov on HBO, and there has been a bit of talk for the past few months about the two of them potentially squaring off this year, if Marquez chose not to fight Manny again. If that were the case, we could potentially expect to also see Pacquiao against Brandon Rios, provided Rios wins on March 30 in his rematch with Mike Alvarado.</p>
<p>If Marquez faces Bradley, how will the styles mesh? Who wins?</p>
https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/3/16/4113760/juan-manuel-marquez-wants-title-welterweight-timothy-bradley-possible-boxing-newsScott Christ2013-03-16T14:26:56-04:002013-03-16T14:26:56-04:00Bradley-Provodnikov: Live updates and discussion
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<p>Timothy Bradley faces Ruslan Provodnikov in the HBO main event, while Jessie Vargas and Wale Omotoso meet in a battle of undefeated prospects on an all-welterweight doubleheader.</p> <p>Tonight at 10:15 pm EDT, BLH will have live coverage of the Bradley-Provodnikov card, airing on HBO in the States and BoxNation in the UK. The BoxNation coverage begins at 1 am local time.</p>
<p><b>Previews: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.badlefthook.com/2013/3/15/4110358/bradley-vs-provodnikov-picks-predictions-preview-hbo-boxing">Staff picks</a> / <a target="_blank" href="http://www.badlefthook.com/2013/3/16/4111992/bradley-vs-provodnikov-betting-odds-fight-preview-fight-time-hbo-boxing">Tom Craze's betting breakdown</a></p>
<p>In the main event, Timothy Bradley (29-0, 12 KO) returns to defend his WBO welterweight title against Ruslan Provodnikov (22-1, 15 KO), an exciting but defensively limited junior welterweight fringe contender. Most of the fight's talking has come from trainers Joel Diaz and Freddie Roach, with Diaz saying Roach is "just a name" and has lost his love for the sport, while Roach has predicted that Bradley will run when he faces Provodnikov's power.</p>
<p>Bradley is the heavy betting favorite, and with good reason. Four of four BLH staffers have predicted a wide decision win for Bradley, who will be fighting for the first time since June 2012.</p>
<p>In the co-feature, also a welterweight bout, Jessie Vargas (21-0, 9 KO) faces Wale Omotoso (24-0, 19 KO) in a battle of stalled welterweight prospects. That fight is scheduled for 10 rounds.</p>
<p>Join us tonight for live updates and immediate post-fight results and analysis!</p>
https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/3/16/4112688/bradley-vs-provodnikov-live-results-round-by-round-coverage-hbo-boxingScott Christ2013-03-16T11:31:22-04:002013-03-16T11:31:22-04:00Bradley-Provodnikov: TV schedule
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<p>Timothy Bradley returns tonight to face Ruslan Provodnikov on HBO and BoxNation. Here's how you can watch.</p> <p>Tonight on HBO and BoxNation, Timothy Bradley makes the first defense of his WBO welterweight title against Ruslan Provodnikov, and Jessie Vargas faces Wale Omotoso in a welterweight co-feature.</p>
<p>Here are the particulars:</p>
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<p><b>Location: </b>Home Depot Center - Carson, California</p>
<p><b>TV channels: </b>HBO (U.S.), BoxNation (U.K.)</p>
<p><b>Fight time: </b>10:15 pm EST (HBO), 1:00 am (BoxNation)</p>
<p><b>Main Event: </b>Timothy Bradley (29-0, 12 KO) vs Ruslan Provodnikov (22-1, 15 KO), 12 rounds, for Bradley's WBO welterweight title.</p>
<p><b>Co-Feature: </b>Jessie Vargas (21-0, 9 KO) vs Wale Omotoso (24-0, 19 KO), welterweights, 10 rounds.</p>
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<p>Provodnikov is trained by Freddie Roach now, and Roach is trying to sort of end a skid that started last year, as the most famous trainer in the sport today saw one real loss and one bogus loss from Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan losing to Danny Garcia and leaving his camp, and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr losing to Sergio Martinez. About the only success Roach really had last year was Chavez-Lee and Raymundo Beltran.</p>
<p>Provodnikov is a big underdog, which <a target="_blank" href="http://www.badlefthook.com/2013/3/16/4111992/bradley-vs-provodnikov-betting-odds-fight-preview-fight-time-hbo-boxing">Tom Craze wrote about in a fight breakdown</a>, and four <a target="_blank" href="http://www.badlefthook.com/2013/3/15/4110358/bradley-vs-provodnikov-picks-predictions-preview-hbo-boxing">BLH staffers all picked Bradley</a> to cruise to a wide decision win.</p>
<p>We'll have live coverage tonight beginning at 10:15 pm EST with the HBO broadcast. Join us!</p>
https://www.badlefthook.com/2013/3/16/4112214/bradley-vs-provodnikov-fight-time-live-stream-boxnation-hbo-boxingScott Christ