Kudryashov, Durodola, and the Excitement of Contenders

By Carl Wade Thompson: Yesterday evening I was able to watch the Dmitry Kudryashov vs Olanrewaju Durodola rematch that took place in Russia. Kudryashov was a fighter I had kept an eye on as a prospect and possible contender, and this was his chance to revenge his knockout loss to Durodola that occurred two years ago.

As I watched the two knockout artists, I knew that, like the last fight, this one was not going to go the distance. After five rounds where both boxers had their chances to win, Kudryashov took control and viciously TKOed Durodola to win and become the #1 mandatory for the WBC Cruiserweight title.

While watching the exciting match and seeing Kudryashov’s hand raised, one thing I knew for sure was though each fighter was tough and hard-hitting, neither of them appeared to be world champion material at this stage of the game. Thought that is not a problem for true boxing fans, I think sometimes the casual viewer would not see that it was a great back-and-forth match.

Sometimes the true nature of boxing is obscured by the glitter and gold of the great champions such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacqiouo, and the scores of other champions who have put their names in the record books. Sometimes people forget that boxing is not just about the champions but the contenders as well, those fighters who reach for the gold but never achieve the ultimate prize. Boxing is about the great champions, but it is also about great matches and different styles, from fleet-footed outboxers to battering bruisers, the sport of boxing is all of this and more.

To watch Kuryashov vs Durodola and not see the narrative of the match is seeing the sport in a half light, a mere image instead of the entire opus of the sport. Though neither man may win a world title, both Kuryashov and Durodola made a compelling match and a great story for all fans to behold. Now it up to us to recognize the hearts of these two fighters and know they did the sport proud by leaving it all on the line. For that I am thankful.