WBO Jr. Welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov defends his title against undefeated Chris Algieri on Saturday, June 14 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn Live on HBO
Philadelphia (April 14, 2014)–On Saturday night, June 14, WBO Jr. Welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov will make the 1st defense of his title when he takes on undefeated Chris Algieri in 12-round bout from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark.
The show is promoted by Banner Promotions, Top Rank in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.
Provodnikov (23-2, 16 KO’s) of Beryozovo, Russia has become one of the most popular fighters in the world due to his exciting non-stop style. He won his first 17 bouts with wins over former world champions Javier Juaragui and DeMarcus Corley (for the WBC Asian Council Jr. Welterweight title). He also has quality wins over previously undefeated fighters Brian Gordon, Abdulaziz Matazimov & Ivan Popoca. He won the WBO Intercontinental Jr. Welterweight title with a 2nd round stoppage over Victor Castro. He recaptured the WBO Intercontinental title with a 6th round stoppage over David Torres and defended it with a 2nd round destruction over Jose Reynoso.
Provodnikov made his presence on the world stage when he battered and knocked down undefeated WBO Welterweight champion in what was the 2013 BWAA “Fight of the Year.”
On October 19, Provodnikov won the WBO Jr. Welterweight title when reigning champion Mike Alvarado could not continue at the end of the 10th round.
Algieri (19-0, 8 KO’s) of nearby Huntington, New York will be making his 1st attempt at a world title.
He is ranked number-13 by the WBO and he earned the title shot based on some string wins that came in front of his hometown fans in Huntington.
He has amassed a strong fan base that saw him score big wins over Jose Peralta, former world title challenger Mike Arnaoutis and in his last bout when he scored an impressive unanimous decision over world-ranked Emanuel Taylor on February 14 in Huntington, New York.
“This is will be a great event,” said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo.
“Ruslan has proven in his last two bouts that he is one of the best fighters in the world and he knows that the biggest fights are ahead of him. Algieri is hungry and will be fighting close to home so we know this will be an outstanding fight. We look forward to bringing this great event to the Barclays Center in front of the many great fans of Brooklyn,” finished Pelullo.
Said Provodnikov, “I am very excited to be fighting in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center. I am looking forward to this fight very much. I know a lot of my fans from Russia will be flying in to see this great fight. I also hope that my fans from the United States and including the great Russian community will be there to support me.”
Said Algieri, “I am Very excited for June 14. Ruslan is a great champion and a feared and avoided guy in the 140 lb. division, which is exactly why I am eager for the chance to fight him. I am ready.”
Algieri’s promoter Joe DeGuardia of Star Boxing said, “We’ve been grooming Chris for this opportunity and I know he is ready. Chris is in top shape and thrilled to be fighting Ruslan, one of the toughest and most highly regarded fighters in boxing. This show will be captivating and I am looking forward to watching it at one of the most premiere arenas in the United States.”
