Ruslan Provodnikov is aching to prove that he is already one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world today, and he knows that he needs to fight the best in order to do so.
In an interview with BoxingScene on Monday, Provodnikov said that he is now open to facing his stablemate and former sparring partner Manny Pacquiao, who recently reclaimed the WBO welterweight title with a win against Timothy Bradley in their rematch.
Provodnikov was initially cold about the idea of facing Pacquiao because they are good friends. Fighting Pacquiao would also force him to break ties with Freddie Roach, but the reigning WBO welterweight champion said that he is now willing to face the consequences.
Provodnikov said that he was even encouraged by Pacquiao, saying that the former pound-for-pound king insisted that he should not let go of big opportunities.
"When I said no I meant it. After Manny said that if I am offered this fight for that type of money then I should take it. I thought about it and he is right. If I can take a fight like that which can help my family then I should take it," Provodnikov said.
But before thinking about getting a shot at Pacquiao, the 30-year-old Russian will have to dispatch Chris Algieri in their upcoming showdown on June 14 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Provodnikov admitted that he was disappointed after not getting the fight that he was looking for. The Beryozovo, Russia native was campaigning for a fight against Juan Manuel Marquez, but the Mexican boxing icon opted to face Mike Alvarado in his next fight.
Provodnikov vowed, though, that he will not take Algieri lightly, knowing that the 30-year-old undefeated challenger will go all out in hopes of winning his first world title.
"We were a little disappointed but now the fight is set," Provodnikov said. "We are happy with the opponent and we can't wait to get back in the ring. To be honest though, I remember when I was in his spot and wanted to get my title. If this kid is anything like me, this could be a more difficult fight than any fight I have had."
