Provodnikov, as expected, engaged with Argentinian hardman Lucas Matthysse for the duration of their April 18 clash in New York, although came out second best for the third time in five contests and Kornilov wants his fighter to re-evaluate his all-action fighting style.
“I thought it was a close fight, but we definitely lost to Lucas Matthysse,” an honest Kornilov admitted to World Boxing News.
“It was painful to watch. The way Ruslan fights is entertaining for the fans but is painful to watch for his team.”
On whether a rematch between the two would be sought after by Provodnikov, Kornilov added: “I definitely think he deserves a rematch, but before and if it will happen, we have to make some changes to the way Ruslan fights. He cannot keep giving so much of himself away in these fights.”
The 31 year-old is undoubtedly a crowd favourite due to the come forward attitude, but as Matthysse – along with Chris Algieri and Timothy Bradley proved before him, Provodnikov needs to have a plan B when he takes on boxers with a superior skill set.
Asked finally if Provodnikov would head back to Russia for his next fight in his bid to return to winning ways, Kornilov concluded: “Possibly, but not necessarily.”
