Boxing: Ruslan Provodnikov to Fight John Molina Jr. on June 11

Banner Promotions and Showtime on Friday announced that Ruslan Provodnikov will return to the ring June 11 to face John Molina Jr. at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

Dubbed “The Siberian Rocky” for his all-action style, Provodnikov (25-4, 18 KOs) has become a fan favorite over the years. His wars with Lucas Matthysse, Timothy Bradley and Mike Alvarado were among the best in boxing over the past five years, and he expects to have the same sort of duel with Molina when they meet in a 12-round junior welterweight tilt.

“I have been waiting for a long time to get back in the ring and to give my fans another fight,” Provodnikov said in a statement. “The opportunity has finally come and I appreciate that Showtime is looking at me as a future star on their network, and I will not let them down.”

Molina (28-6, 23 KOs) has also been involved in his share of grueling bouts. He’s gone toe-to-toe with the likes of Matthysse, Mickey Bey, Adrien Broner and Antonio DeMarco, and he looks to continue his winning ways against the hard-hitting Russian. Molina recently snapped a three-fight losing streak when he knocked out Jorge Romero in November.

Showtime will televise the action beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. A full undercard and co-main event will be announced shortly.