New trainer Joel Diaz believes he can transform Ruslan Provodnikov into a more complete fighter as they start their partnership after the Russian boxer parted ways with Freddie Roach.

Diaz is familiar with Provodnikov because he was still training Timothy Bradley when the two boxing warriors collide in an epic battle in March 2013, where Bradley escaped with a close unanimous decision win.

Based on what he saw from Provodnikov before, Diaz has nothing but praises for Provodnikov's power and heart, but the 42-year-old said that his fighters needs to improve in terms of defense and tactics, saying that he will also teach the former world champion Mexican's style of attacking.

"My point is not to change him but to improve him on defense, teach him how to cut off the ring a little more, Diaz said via ESPN. "I also want to teach him that Mexican style -- go to the body. He's a head hunter. I want to teach him to work the body from the beginning of a fight and work his way up to the head."

Diaz also revealed that since the Bradley-Provodnikov bout, he has been in touch with manager Vadim Kornilov and has always admired Provodnikov. In fact, Provodnikov's camp reportedly reached out to him when Manny Pacquiao was considering facing Provodnikov. Both Pacquiao and Provodnikov were under Roach back then.

Kornilov also clarified that they have nothing against Roach and that the Hall of Fame trainer accepted their decision. He also added that they had to make the decision after Provodnikov took too much blows during his defeats to Chris Algieri in June 2014 and to Lucas Matthysse in April.

"Our goal was to make Ruslan a better fighter defensively," Kornilov said. "Our team cannot watch Ruslan take the type of punishment that he usually takes in his fights. We need to consider his health first. I think that Joel can make Ruslan a better boxer and improve his defense. It's already happening."

Provodnikov, who holds a 24-4 record with 17 knockout victories, has started training two weeks ago. The 31-year-old could fight later this year, but Kornilov confirmed that they have yet to find an opponent and the fight date is still up in the air.

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