Ruslan Provodnikov admits he ‘sniffed glue’ as a young man in Russia

Ruslan Provodnikov (left) will defend his title Saturday against Chris Algieri. (Photo courtesy of Banner Promotions)

Ruslan Provodnikov, who will defend his junior welterweight belt Saturday against Chris Algieri at Barclays Center in Brooklyn (on HBO), was very candid recently when talking about his younger days in Russia.

“I did not have an easy time growing up in Siberia,” Provodnikov said. “I don’t know where my childhood friends are now. Most are probably in jail. I stole food, sniffed glue, smoked and drank. My amateur boxing coach saved my life and helped to redirect my life toward being a productive person.”

Provodnikov, 30, is a real brute in the ring. He is 23-2 with 16 knockouts and has become one of the more vicious fighters out there.

Algieri, of Huntington, N.Y., is 19-0 with eight knockouts.

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