Sans Roach, Pinoy trainer guides Russian boxer to world title

MANILA, Philippines – No Freddie Roach for world title challenger Ruslan Provodnikov. No problem.

Assistant trainer Marvin Somodio is there to save the day.

Somodio stepped up big time in the absence of Roach, helping work the corner of Provodnikov en route to a 10th-round technical knockout victory over Mike Alvarado for the WBO light welterweight title at the 1stBank Center in Denver, Colorado on Sunday.

Somodio, a former boxer, took over Provodnikov’s corner because Roach is in Manila to train Manny Pacquiao for the Filipino icon’s fight with Brandon Rios next month.

And he didn’t disappoint.

In a post-fight report by ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael, Somodio did a great job on Provodnikov by helping the Russian stick to Roach’s game plan. Provodnikov decked Alvarado twice in the eighth round then battered the latter in the 10th round to force the stoppage.

It was Provodnikov’s first world championship title, which he clinched after a failed attempt at the WBO welterweight crown against Timothy Bradley last March. And he copped it in Alvarado’s hometown in front of a crowd of least 7,000.

"Even though Freddie wasn't here, they knew the game plan," said promoter Artie Pelullo, who represents Provodnikov.

Provodnikov, for his part, echoed his promoter’s statement.

"I knew that I had to win it for Freddie," Provodnikov said. "Not having him here, I miss him, but we did his game plan exactly."

In an earlier report by philboxing.com’s Rich Mazon, Somodio earlier expressed confidence in handling Provodnikov in the big stage without Roach.

“I am confident for this fight. Madami na din ako experience sa corner. (I have acquired plenty of experience in the corner.) And actually, Ruslan was my first fighter whom I have worked with here in the US,” said Somodio, who has been in the US since 2012 to assist Roach.

He was also in the camp of Miguel Cotto during the latter’s preparation for his fight with Delvin Rodriguez.