Matthysse I’m ready for the battle against Provodnikov

By Maria Elena Ayala, who kindly hooked us up with Lucas Martin Matthysse and trainer Luis “Cuty” Barrera, we talked to them and in this short interview, we were able to get their impressions about the match between Lucas and against the powerful puncher Ruslan Provodnikov at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona NY on April, 18th 2015.

RS: Definitely a tough fight for Lucas, Does he has added something new in his training for this fight against Provodnikov?

LB: We are working well and focused on the fight of April 18. We are in the path of the race!!

RS: Lucas has more experience on paper, Are you going to NY to win by KO or expect to win on points?

LB: We believe that we are going to win either way, KO or points but we will win this fight. Lucas is stronger, faster and has better aim; we are hoping that Lucas does what he always does to finish this fight.

RS: Some trainers believe that fights are won in the gym. Did you guys find somebody with Provodnikov’s style to prepare with here in Argentina?

LB: We had many sparring partners in Argentina like Provodnikov; it’s not difficult to find somebody with Ruslan’s style. The only one that might be difficult to find with the same style will be Floyd Mayweather.

RS: Journalists and fans believe that this could be the fight of the year, but for that Lucas will have to brawl with Provdnikov. Do you think that will be a good idea for Matthysse to go toe a toe with Ruslan?

LB: I don’t believe Lucas needs to fight Provodnikov’s fight at all. The fans will see that Lucas can box and that he is not only a big puncher. In other words, if Ruslan is coming forward, Lucas will show his boxing skill as well.

RS: How do you see this fight and what will be the outcome in your opinion?

LB: When we fight with Ortiz and Molina, we prepared for their styles, but when the fight came up, they changed their style, and it seems that some fighters changed their styles when they have Lucas in front of them in the ring.

RS: Lucas, how do you think you should fight to be able to beat Provodnikov?

LM: We’re well prepared for anything that Provodnikov brings to the ring on April 18th.

RS: If you beat Provodnikov, would you like to fight the winner of Garcia/Peterson?

LM: Of course, I hope I get that fight with the winner of that match. Hopefully they stay on this division. I just want a title or at least a very major fight.

RS: Will you stay at 140 or are you going to the 147 division?

LM: I think that in 2015 we will stay at 140. Maybe by 2016 we will taste the waters on 147.

RS: Terence Crawford and Dulorme will fight soon, would you like to fight the winner of that match?

LM: Of course, we need to win this fight and then will see which will be the next opponent.

RS: Any chance that we can see you against Adrien Broner in the future?

LM: Depends on the outcome of this fight, last year I was offered that fight after I beat Molina, let’s see what happened, But we like that fight against Broner too.

RS: What can we expect (journalists and fans) of this fight against Provodnikov?

LM: It will be a good fight, Provodnikov is a fighter that comes forward all the time and we must be well prepared to give everyone a great fight.

RS: Finally, could you give us your prediction on this fight?

LM: I am going to win. Every time that I go to USA, I always go over there to win. This is my prediction and don’t miss this great fight. Hugs to everybody.