Andriy Rudenko can’t think of a more appropriate weekend to shock the world.
The 39-year-old journeyman is a big underdog heading into his scheduled ten-round ESPN-televised main event versus unbeaten heavyweight Jared Anderson this Saturday from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Thursday’s final pre-fight conference also marked Ukrainian Independence Day, though with many boxers such as Rudenko forced to celebrate while they resume their careers on the road.
Saturday will mark the second straight fight in another country other than his own, though it also represents a career-long goal for the 17-year-pro.
““I’m very happy to be in the United States. It’s been my dream to have a professional fight in the United States,” Rudenko said during the final pre-fight press conference. When I started my career, I dreamed of having a fight at the mecca of professional boxing, so I am very happy.
“I know that my opponent is one of the best heavyweight prospects right now. I will show you what my plans are for stopping him this Saturday in the ring.”
It will be a tall order for the squat Rudenko (35-6, 21KOs), who bet365 sportsbook lists at +1450 to win this Saturday. Anderson (15-0, 14KOs) is a massive -4000 favorite to win outright and a startling -700 to end the fight inside the distance,
Rudenko has won just once in six previous fights away from his native Ukraine. It came in his last fight, albeit versus an upside down opponent in Bosnia’s Bojan Cestic (2-10 at the time), whom he stopped in the second round on January 28 in Czech Republic.
At no point in his journeyman career has Rudenko prevailed in a fight he wasn’t already supposed to win. His hope is that the in-country annual celebration for a nation that continues to fight for its independence is enough motivation.
[Thursday] is Ukrainian Independence Day, and we are here thanks to our Ukrainian army,” noted Rudenko in his list of pre-fight dedications. “Thanks to our Ukrainian soldiers who defend our country. It fills us with glory to represent the bravest country in the world.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox