Ruslan Provodnikov may have one of the toughest names to pronounce, but it’s really easy liking him.

Two things make him stand out from his boxing contemporaries: he bleeds like a stuck pig and he throws punches at a rate far higher than normal.

Despite speaking no English, the man they call “Siberian Rocky” is one of the most popular fighters in the hard-to-please US market based on his devastating punching power.

He often takes two punches to land one, so it’s not surprising his style spawned the famous meme seen above.

His 2013 bout with Tim Bradley was wild as the pair waged modern warfare over 12 brutal rounds. Ring magazine promptly declared it “Fight of the Year”. In April, he had another war, this time with Lucas Matthysse. It’s also in the running for Fight of the Year honours.

See for yourself how exciting Provodnikov is. Be sure to hold on tight:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT2hbVPF_mU

It was a treat meeting him in Monte Carlo this week where the Russian headlines the “Night of Champions” tournament hosted by South Africa’s Golden Gloves.

Provodnikov stepped in at late notice after Tommy Oosthuizen’s opponent, Juergen Braehmer, injured his hand. The Oosthuizen fight couldn’t be salvaged but the replacement is high value.

Provodnikov is made for TV, blending raw power with the constant desire to blow his opponents away.

His challenger on Saturday is Mexico’s Jesus Alvarez, an unbeaten youngster taking a major step up. Win or lose, he’ll feel the power and restless energy of one of the most exciting fighters around.

(The show will be live on SS9 from 7.30pm on Saturday).