Junior welterweight contender Frankie “El Gato” Figueroa is set to return to the ring on May 21st versus undefeated Russian prospect Ruslan Provodnikov (15-0 10 KOs) in the co-feature to the lightweight clash between Ji Hoon Kim and Ameth Diaz. The bout will be televised by ESPN Friday Night Fights beginning at 9pm EST. The ten round bout will be for the jr. welterweight NABA and WBO Asian Pacific title.
Figueroa has been out of action since fighting Rashad Holloway to a draw on November 11th of last year. In that bout, “El Gato” of Bronx, NY, broke his left wrist in the fight and had a subsequent surgery which was a success.
“I was on the shelf for a little while. After a pin was put in place, I couldn’t fight because it couldn’t get wet. In January I had the cast and pin removed and I was able to test out my hand when I sparred with Juan Urango,” Figueroa stated. “My hand held up well and I am ready to go.”
In addition to preparing for the Provodnikov bout, Figueroa will be sparring with Nate Campbell as Campbell prepares for his upcoming clash with Victor Ortiz.
“This sparring will work for both of us. Nate Campbell is an aggressive body puncher just like Provodnikov. I can be the active boxer like Victor Ortiz to help Campbell out and he is helping me prepare for Provodnikov’s style,” he shared. “Of course I am more than just a boxer and I can change my styles up but this sparring will help Campbell and myself greatly.”
Figueroa is very excited to be returning to network tv.
“This is a great opportunity for me. I am a very fan friendly fighter. People have seen me fight on TV before and I think the fact that I am coming back so soon from a broken wrist can inspire people,” Figueroa said enthusiastically. “It shows that no matter what happens, you have to keep moving forward.”
The Puerto Rican native is by no means taking Provodnikov lightly. He knows this is a fight he needs to win and he knows what is at stake.
“It is going to be a good fight for me. Provodnikov is a great fighter and a heavy puncher but I am by far his toughest opponent that he has faced,” he says thoughtfully. “People complain about a lot of non competitive fights on ESPN but this will be a tremendous co-main event. I want to fight for a championship and by beating this prospect it will get me a step closer to that.”
El Gato encourages fans to follow him at facebook.com/teamgato twitter.com/gatotime2010 and youtube.com/teamgato for the latest Gato news and video footage.