Chris Algieri shocks Ruslan Provodnikov with split decision victory

Chris Algieri (20-0, 8 KO’s) overcame overwhelming odds at the Barclay’s Center in New York City as he pulled in what is so far the Upset of the Year. Algieri pulled a stunning upset as he defeated the hard hitting Ruslan Provodnikov (23-3, 16 KO’s) by Split Decision to capture the WBO junior welterweight championship.

Algieri was dropped not once, but twice in the first round of the right. His eye swelled up immediately and it seemed that it was only a matter of time before Provodnikov finished him off. But that wasn’t going to stop Algieri from trying to win the fight. Algieri moved around the entire fight fending off Provodnikov who seemed only concerned with landing one big punch to try to end the fight. In between Provodnikov’s haymakers it was Algieri who was landing the cleaner, more effective punches although they didn’t appear to be hurting Provodnikov at all.

While Provodnikov continued to chase Algieri around the ring judging was at odds among many media outlets. Some favored Ruslan, though clearly he was landing less punches than Algieri, he was landing the bigger ones. Others felt that Algieri was winning because of his high output of punches and he was landing a ton of shots against Provodnikov who’s defense didn’t seem to exist in the fight. For Algieri, it was boxing movement and landing quick shots with less power on them that made the judges feel that he was being more effective throughout the fight. Scores were 114-112, 109-117, and 114-112 in favor of Algieri. 

In the co-main event undefeated contender Demetrius Andrade improved to 21-0 with 14 KO’s as he wiped out Brian Rose with a 7th round TKO victory. Rose fell to 25-2 with 7 KO’s.