The 29 year-old, who ran WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley close in March, drops back down to 140 to battle Alvarado in a fight many are predicting could be an all out war and hopes to clinch his first world title.
“Everything is going great. We have no problems and we are having a great training camp.” Provodnikov exclusively told World Boxing News.
“Mike Alvarado is a great fighter. We are expecting a very tough fight and preparing for this like the toughest fight of my life as I always do.”
Provodnikov has been working alongside Miguel Cotto at the Wild Card under the guidance of experienced trainer Freddie Roach, although stopped short of sparring with the Puerto Rican legend in the build-up.
“It has been a pleasure to train with Cotto,” he said. “We have not sparred yet, but we have trained and worked together a lot in this camp.
“Cotto has great experience and I can only benefit from the work.”
PACQUIAO vs RIOS
The rugged puncher has been linked to a rematch with Bradley if the American comes through Juan Manuel Marquez next month and he can defeat Alvarado. The winner of Manny Pacquiao v Brandon Rios will also in the mix in a fight treble that has plenty of permutations for future Top Rank match-ups at both welterweight and light-welterweight.
“Although I don’t like to make predictions, I will be rooting for Manny in his fight against Brandon and I will be rooting for Bradley in his fight with Marquez,” explained Provodnikov.
“I have a lot of respect for both of the fighters as I do for their opponents, and I think these are going to be very interesting match-ups.
“As I am fighting Alvarado for the full WBO title now (after Marquez was stripped), there are chances for big fights against some of the biggest fighters between 140 and 147 and I know I have to win this fight.”
