Denver’s only reigning world champion, “Mile High” Mike Alvarado, and his promoter Top Rank, will donate $1.00 from every ticket sold to his homecoming world title defense to The Salvation Army for its emergency disaster services serving Colorado. Alvarado defends his WBO junior welterweight crown against Ruslan “The Siberian Rocky” Provodinkov, Saturday, October 19, at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colo. The fight will be televised live nationally on HBO.
“Colorado boxing fans have been so supportive of me throughout my entire career and I am only too happy to support the people of my state in their time of need. We all need to do our part.,” said Alvarado, who was also a former two-time high school state wrestling champion.
“I have a home in Colorado. I love this state. Top Rank was onboard the minute Mike brought it up to us. A great event to support a great cause,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank.
“We are so grateful,” said Salvation Army leader Lt. Colonel Dan Starrett on this partnership with Alvarado and Top Rank. “This support allows The Salvation Army to be there for Colorado, providing for the needs of those impacted, until the healing is complete.”
Alvarado vs. Provodnikov marks the Denver area’s first world championship fight featuring a local fighter since September 15, 2000 when former World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion Stevie Johnston unsuccessfully challenged defending WBC lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo at the Pepsi Center.
Alvarado (34-1, 23 KOs) and Provodnikov (22-2, 15 KOs) enter this world title tilt fresh from Fight of the Year performances that took place in March, just two weeks apart from each other, and were televised live on HBO. They boast a combined record of 56-3 (38 KOs) — a winning percentage of 95% and a victory by knockout ratio of 68%.
