Lucas Matthysse – Ruslan Provodnikov SHOCKER: “I am Going to Beat Provodnikov Like Rocky did Ivan Drago”

If I were Lucas Matthysse, I would say, “I am going to beat Provodnikov like Rocky did Ivan Drago” — Buddy Ruffin, JR. (President of the Lucas Matthysse Fan Club Coffeyville, KS Chapter.)

Junior welterweight stars Lucas “La Maquina” Matthysse (36-3, 34 KOs) and “The Siberian Rocky” Ruslan Provodnikov (24-3, 17 KOs) participated in an international media conference call on Monday to talk about their April 18 showdown at The Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Their twelve-round fight will be televised live as part of a split site doubleheader on HBO.

Lucas Matthysse: “I’m glad to be facing fighters of the caliber of Ruslan Provodnikov…I’m ready to fight a tough fight.”

“Come April 18 the world will know that the best 140-pounders will be fighting that night.”

Ruslan Provodnikov: “I’m not saying I’m better than Matthysse or anyone else. I just know I can beat anybody…I’m going to do my talking in the ring.”

[On Freddie Roach not being in his corner on fight night] “Everything is fine. It’s not the first time Roach will not be in my corner for a fight.”