Tim Bradley sneaks past Ruslan Provodnikov in a cold war instant boxing classic!

Tim Bradley won a unanimous decision against Russian Ruslan Provodnikov last night at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA on HBO boxing. To say this fight was a cold war is an understatement. Given the fighters (particularly Provodnikov) are less popular in boxing mainstream, it may not go down as the fight of the year for 2013, but it will definitely be a contender and an instant boxing classic for true fight fans.

Although he barely made it past the first two rounds, Bradley defended his welterweight title, which he won last June in a controversial split decision against then champion Manny Pacquiao. Subsequently, just like his last time out, there was again some controversy in his win against Provodnikov. Although Bradley did land more punches in the fight and out boxed Provodnikov for the majority of the contest from round three through eleven; Provodnikov dropped Tim Bradley in both the first and last rounds of the fight. He also rocked Bradley significantly in the sixth round, again putting Bradley on the ropes. Bradley was out on his feet several times in the fight and admittedly had a concussion after this all-out war.

To Bradley’s credit, he continued punching throughout the fight and exchanged vicious combinations with Provodnikov, even when it appeared he was going to be knocked out on several occasions. One could make the argument that Bradley again lost the fight, similarly to his bout last June against Pacquiao of which he even received death threats. Tim Bradley with the win moves to 30-0 although many people would argue he has lost two in a row. Win or lose in this one though, Bradley may have added significantly more fans than he has ever had. Likewise, the more unknown and former sparring partner of Manny Pacquiao, Provodnikov really took the stage and showed that he may pack the biggest punch in the welterweight division. Don’t look for any 140 or 147 pounders to be lining up against the fearless Russian fighter. After the fight, Bradley showed much respect for Provodnikov, admitting he was concussed from the bombs he took during the fight, and indicated Provodnikov was the “real deal” and that he would beat any 140 or 147 pounder out there.

No matter who boxing fans thought won, both fighters came out big winners in this one. Trainer Freddie Roach indicated he was close to stopping the fight during the tenth round due to the damage Provodnikov sustained during the fight and due to a severely damaged left eye; however, he chose not to stop it, given his fighter continued to show grit and throw meaningful punches through the later rounds even when Bradley was out boxing him.

For Bradley, the fight did a couple things. One, it showed that he has true heart and grit similar to Provodnikov. However, it also showed he has a susceptible chin. According to Myboxingfans.com’s Edgar Gonzalez, it showed he has a lot to learn given “he wanted to brawl with a stronger brawler” but overall he felt Bradley won the fight. Like Edgar, I think Bradley ultimately won a close fight. However, had referee Pat Russell ruled a knockdown in the first round, this fight easily could have been ruled a draw or a possible win for Provodnikov.

The judges at ringside had the fight scored 115-112, 114-113, and 114-113 for Bradley. If Bradley wants to stay undefeated, he is going to have to utilize his athleticism and boxing ability a lot better or eventually his chin is going to be his demise. He might also want to thank Pat Russell, who is no stranger to controversial calls. See Rios vs. Alvarado when Russell stopped the fight in the seventh round in what many thought was premature last October in another similar boxing classic. That said, no matter how things went down, Bradley vs. Provodnikov is an instant classic to kick start an exciting spring schedule for boxing.