Manny Pacquiao Next Fight Update: Ruslan Provodnikov Says He Could Face Pacman on April 12

Ruslan Provodnikov has had a change of tune. The reigning WBO junior welterweight champion is now open to facing Manny Pacquiao in his next fight.

Provodnikov, who previously said that he had no plan to face his stable mate, revealed in a Boxingscene interview that he could face Pacquiao on April 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

"The chances are good that we will meet Pacquiao on April 12. As you know, I originally did not want to fight with the Filipino, because we both trained under the guidance of Freddie Roach. Then, while I was on vacation at a resort - I carefully thought about the situation. And I decided that if fate is giving me the opportunity, then I need to use it," Provodnikov said.

The 29-year-old Russian, who is a former sparring partner of the Filipino boxing icon, pointed out that the opportunity to face a fighter of Pacquiao's calibre is too good to pass up, while also expressing confidence that the potential big-money fight for him will be arranged.

"To refuse a fight with such a great boxer is stupid. I've always wanted to fight with the best - and Pacquiao is at the top of the ceiling. I'm confident in myself. There is no doubt that I can have real fight with him," Provodnikov said.

But while the Beryozovo said that he is open to facing his good friend, Provodnikov clarified that his top priority is to arrange a showdown with Juan Manuel Marquez.

Provodnikov prefers Marquez because he wants to continue working with Freddie Roach, knowing that he will be forced to look for a new trainer if a fight with Pacquiao will be arranged.

However, the 40-year-old Mexican remains cold to the idea of facing Provodnikov and wants a rematch with American tormentor Timothy Bradley.

"But the most preferred opponent for me is Juan Manuel Marquez. I know that negotiations are being conducted with him. But if he refuses, then I have to fight with Pacquiao. It will be necessary to look for a new coach, because if a fight with Manny takes place, then Freddie Roach, of course, will side with him," Provodnikov stressed.