By Edward Chaykovsky

Ruslan Provodnikov (23-2, 16KOs) is a hot piece of boxing property after stopping Mike Alvarado in ten rounds to capture the WBO junior welterweight championship at the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, Denver. After seven explosive rounds of action, Provodnikov began to pull away in eight - after punishing Alvarado (34-2) and scoring two knockdowns in the process. It was the first time Alvarado had tasted the canvas as a pro. After Provodnikov unleashed more punishment in the tenth, Alvarado couldn't answer the bell for the eleventh.

Referee Tony Weeks said he asked Alvarado a few times if he wanted to continue and the boxer said he was unable to go on.

At the time of the stoppage, Alvarado was well behind on the official scorecards. He needed a dramatic knockout to win and there was very little left in his tank. For his own health, Alvarado felt it was necessary to call it a day.

"It was not worth taking more punishment because the damage could be permanent," Alvarado said. "It just wasn't my night. I have a lot of heart. I'm not a quitter."