Rios vs. Pacquiao: Ruslan Provodnikov Now Waiting For Macau Fight Winner

Top-Rank promoter Bob Arum is open to arrange a showdown between reigning WBO light welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov and the winner of the upcoming bout between Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios, the veteran fight-maker told ESNews.

Arum said that Provodnikov is gearing up for a big fight next year, and this could be against either Pacquiao or Rios. The Top-Rank head promoter said the Siberian Rocky has already booked a flight to Macau to watch the Battle in Cotai bout on November 23rd at Venetian Macao in Macau, China.

"He [Provodnikov] is also waiting the outcome of this fight between Pacquiao vs. Rios. Arum said when asked by ESNews reporter Elie Seckbach about possible opponent for Provodnikov. "And I understand from Marti Palolou, his promoter, that Ruslan is coming to Macau to watch the fight first.

As Good as 'Thrilla in Manila'

Arum believed the Macau fight between Pacquiao and Rios will be as good as the Thrilla in Manila fight between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali held in the Philippines' capital city in 1975.

"November 23, people will see a great event coming from a location all away around the world in Macau, China. And it's gonna be an unusual experience fighting in the morning. The last time I did this was in 1975, the Thrilla in Manila, and that was one of the best I've ever seen, and maybe this one will be equally as good," said Arum, who promoted great boxers throughout his career as a match-maker.

Pacquiao Back in Form

Arum said Pacquiao is back in tip-top shape after absorbing a devastating sixth round knockout loss at the hands of his bitter rival Juan Manuel Marquez last year.

The Top-Rank honcho said Pacquiao has been sharp in his training camp, perhaps as good as he was during his previous preparation for the fight against Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, and Oscar De La Hoya.

"He looked like the old Manny Pacquiao, reminiscing how he trained and how he looked when he fought Cotto, Hatton and De la Hoya." Arum said when asked how good Pacquiao has been at training camp. "