Lucas Matthysse and Ruslan Provodnikov to fight on April 18

When the rumors began to fly that Lucas Matthysse and Ruslan Provodnikov could face each other this spring, the boxing public's imagination ran wild at the prospect of these two brawlers battling in the ring.

Fortunately, this dream matchup is now official, as this likely "Fight of the Year" bout will take place on Saturday, April 18, at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.  The fight is a 12-round junior welterweight bout, and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark.  It will be promoted by Banner Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Arano Boxing.

"I'm glad that this fight is finally done," said Ruslan Provodnikov. "This is the fight I have been waiting for a long time. I think that this fight will be nominated for either 'Fight of the Year' or 'Knockout of the Year'."

In Matthysse and Provodnikov, fans will get to see two of the hardest punchers in the sport, as each man has genuine one-punch knockout power.  Moreover, both are aggressive, forward-charging fighters -- especially Provodnikov -- providing a good possibility the fight will not go the distance.

"I only want the biggest fights against the best fighters and this fight between Provodnikov and I will surely be 'Fight of the Year'," said Lucas Matthysse. "Provodnikov is a warrior that never stops throwing punches and his style suits me very well. I'm confident that I will win, and since Danny Garcia doesn't want to fight me again, this fight will prove that I am one of the best fighters in the world."

Considered by many to be boxing's pound-for-pound hardest puncher, Argentina's Lucas Matthysse, 32, (36-3, 34 KOs) has the numbers and high-profile victims to prove it.

Meanwhile, Russia's Provodnikov (24-3, 17 KOs), dubbed the "Siberian Rocky" for his aggressive attack and unyielding will to win, has earned himself fight fans around the globe for his humble nature outside the ring and ferocious intensity inside the ropes.

"One-punch knockout power. Lightning-fast action. A likely world title shot to the winner - this bout has 'Fight of the Year' written all over it," said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. "This is a fight that fans have been clamoring for since these warriors were last in action, and Golden Boy Promotions is proud to deliver it to the fans worldwide."

After years of boxers taking on only those opponents within their own promotional stable, the sport is now enjoying a rebirth of quality matchups, thanks in large part to De La Hoya.  The Matthysse-Provodnikov bout should be non-stop action and will serve as a nice prelude to the upcoming May 2 fight on everyone's mind, Manny Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather.

"I'm very excited about the fight between Ruslan Provodnikov and Lucas Matthysse," said Arthur Pelullo, President of Banner Promotions. "This has the making of Corrales - Castillo all over again. This is the most fan-friendly and television-friendly fight in a long time. Both Ruslan and Lucas are real warriors, and it's a fight that both fighters wanted so it was very easy to make. Working with Oscar De La Hoya and Eric Gomez has been a pleasure.

Tickets go on sale on February 26 with the bargain price of $75 for ringside seats, and with other seating priced at $50, $35, and $25.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services