Provodnikov-Reynoso Headline June 29 FNF

Art Pelullo/Banner Promotions and Ken Thompson/Thompson Boxing Promotions will present a sensational championship fight card on June 29 at Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, California. The main event and co-featured fights will be televised on ESPN’s Friday Night Fights live on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN3 at 10:30 p.m. ET.

In the 10-round main event, WBO Intercontinental junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov, 21-1 with 14 knockouts, of Berezovo, Russia, will make his first defense of the title against Jose Reynoso, 16-2-1 with 3 knockouts, of Riverside, California.

Provodnikov, 28 years old, has won four fights in a row and is ranked No. 3 by the WBO. Since his last fight on January 27, a sixth-round TKO win against David Torres, he has been trained by International Boxing Hall of Fame 2012 inductee Freddie Roach and was the primary sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao for his fight against Timothy Bradley Jr.

Co-manager Vadim Kornilov said, “Around April 20, Ruslan flew to the Philippines – he was the only one that flew to the Philippines to train with Manny. On May 5, they all flew together to L.A. to continue their training at the Wild Card Gym. Ruslan didn't miss one single day of sparring. They sparred three times a week – Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday – and sparred around four or five rounds a day.

“Ruslan was with Manny every single day – they were running together, they were doing strength work together, they were training together. Manny said he was very happy with the work. Just being in camp and doing everything that Manny was doing, I think it built up Ruslan’s confidence and motivation a lot.”

Reynoso, 27 years old, has won five fights in a row since having an eight-round draw in January, 2010. A lefthander with skills, speed, and movement, he feels that he has the perfect style to offset Ruslan’s power and aggression and come away with an upset win.

Co-featured bout:

8 Rounds, Jr. Featherweights

“Marvelous” Chris Martin, 23-2-3, 6 KOs, San Diego, California, vs.

Roberto “Azabache” Castaneda, 19-1-1, 14 KOs, Mexicali, B.C., Mexico.

An exciting lineup of preliminary bouts will be announced.

All bouts are subject to change without notice.

Omega Products Outdoor Arena

1681 California Avenue, Corona, California

Doors open at: 6:00 PM

First fight: 6:30 PM

ESPN telecast: 7:30 PM

Ticket prices: $30, $45, $75.

Tickets available at 714-935-0900.