[Timoteo]

The first thing that struck me was Provodnikov's hands were quicker, but with good power. Bradley seemed stiff - he's too muscled up, which made his hands slower. Provodnikov may have shot his wad early in trying to get Bradley out of there. It took him another three rounds before he could put together another good flurry. In rounds 3 - 5 Bradley imposed his size and strength by leaning on Ruslan, and methodically going to work instead of trying to exchange with him. Though Provodnikov's face was busted up, I don't think Bradley had him close to going down.

It ended up being one of those tell-tale judging issues - Bradley may have outpointed Provodnikov, but in fewer punches, Provodnikov definitely hurt Bradley more. He had him on the verge of going out, all rubbery-legged, on at least 3 occasions, and almost had him out at the very end of the fight with only the bell saving Bradley. One major discussion was whether or not Round 2 should have been a two-point round for Provodnikov, even without a knockdown. There's also the matter of whether or not he should have been awarded a knockdown of Bradley that the ref called a pull-down.

Based on true damage done, and the more solid blows to the head, I actually was leaning Provodnikov, though I was pretty sure it was going to go to Bradley on the official cards. He just made himself a factor, and guy most likely to be ducked here on in.