Rudd relishing underdog role
Philadelphia (March 18, 2014)–He pulled off the biggest upset in the opening round of the Boxcino 2014 lightweight tournament and now Chris Rudd (13-1, 8 KO’s) is ready to do it again when he takes on Petr Petrov (33-4-2, 15 KO’s) on Friday, March 28 at the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota.
The semifinal bout will be televised Live on ESPN, ESPNdeportes+ and WatchESPN.
Rudd of Covington, Tennessee was the least known of the eight participants in the tournament but he won a 7 round (Draw Breaker) decision over veteran Yakubu Amidu on February 21 in Laughlin, Nevada, reflected back on the win for a moment before setting his sights on Petrov.
“I did a pretty good job,” said Rudd. “I think I won that fight because of my head and foot movement.”
Rudd began preparing for Petrov almost immediately after his win over Amidu.
“I have been working hard in the gym. Petrov throws a lot of wild combinations and a wild hook. I have been working on that as well as my jab and staying out of range.”
Rudd has relished being the unknown fighter in the tournament as he believes that will only enhance his accomplishments.
“It does not matter being the underdog. I was talking with my brother and he said, the more that I can win, the better I look.”
Rudd knows he can win the tournament but knows he has a tough road ahead.
“I see me winning. Petrov is a good fighter and he will come hard. The other two fighters (Miguel Gonzalez and Fernando Carcamo) are good fighters. I see myself winning but I can not claim it until I have it,”finished Rudd.