By Ryan Burton

Last week Vadim Kornilov, manager of former super lightweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov (24-4, 17KOs), advised BoxingScene.com that discussions were underway for Joel Diaz to train his fighter. A deal has been reached an a new training alliance has been formed.

Diaz trains several fighters and recently parted ways with two-division champion Tim Bradley, who is now being trained by Teddy Atlas. Provdonikov faced Bradley (when Diaz had him) in 2013 in a Fight of The Year battle.

Provodnikov was previously trained by Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

Provodnikov last fought in April when he lost a close majority decision to Lucas Matthysse in an HBO televised headliner.

He hopes to return to the ring in November or December in what is being billed as his Showtime televised debut, but so far he has been rebuffed by Amir Khan and Top Rank has rejected offers for him to face Bradley in a rematch, Brandon Rios and Terence Crawford.

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