That’s the view of Provodnikov’s manager Vadim Kornilov, who believes that the two Freddie Roach boxers would be willing to face each other in a blockbuster WBO welterweight title clash in Macau in the months ahead.
When asked if Provodnikov was the top candidate if Marquez does decide against another rumble with Pacquiao, Kornilov told World Boxing News: “Yes, I think that we are getting closer and closer to making this fight happen.”
Provodnikov himself then waded in by stating that he will only focus on upcoming opponent Chris Algieri, but did admit that wants to secure a massive fight with one of the world’s best.
“I’m looking forward to a big fight in the fall,” Provodnikov confirmed to WBN. “Whoever it is, I want to get one of the top opponents in the 140-147 weight class.
“For now, I have to worry about the defense of my WBO light-welterweight title on June 14th against Chris Algieri and then we can look at what is next.”
A fight with Pacquiao was initially dismissed by Provodnikov when asked by WBN a year ago, as the two are firm friends from their numerous training sessions together.
The Russian now realises that an encounter with the former pound for pound king makes sense as it would be such an easy bout to make and would instantly gather the attention of the fans.
Both fighters are highly-entertaining whenever they grace the ring, so there would be no doubting that fireworks would be sure to go off if the pair of champions finally met toe-to-toe at the Cotai Arena this year.
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