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Ruslan Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KO’s) promised to put on a show and he didn’t disappoint, as he overwhelmed unbeaten Jesus Alvarez Rodriguez (14-1, 11 KO’s) in four rounds at the glitzy Salle Des Etoiles in Monte Carlo on Saturday night.
With HRH Prince Albert looking on, the former WBO junior-welterweight champion wasn’t unduly stretched as he hit his stride early and pounded away until the finish of their scheduled 10-round welterweight clash.
The Russian was the aggressor and although his Mexican opponent had some success counter-punching, he didn’t have the strength to hold off Provodnikov.
Rodriguez was sent reeling in the fourth, taking an eight-count after a succession of hooks to the body. After Rodriguez was decked again soon after, referee Stan Christodoulou wisely called a halt. It was Provodnikov’s first win since his narrow April defeat to Lucas Matthysse.
“I must praise Rodriguez,” said the Russian later. “A lot of big names didn’t want to fight, but he did.”
