By Przemek Garczarczyk

The old theory that the meanest fighter in the ring can be the softest man outside it, works really well with Dmitry Kudryashov (21-1, 21 KO). The “Russian Hammer” always enters the ring with bad intentions, but when you approach him when he’s is not ready to tear someone’s head off, this Russian is the gentlest man you will ever meet.

Kudryashov, who just dispatched the very tough and hard swinging Nigerian Olanrewaju “God’s Power” Durodola (25-4, 23 KO) in a Fight of The Year-type performance in Moscow, still a somewhat unknown quantity in United States. Sure, Fightnews.com® readers and hardcore boxing aficionados know about the bearded man who’s won all his 21 fights by KO. They also know that he’s now mandatory challenger for the “Fighting Policeman” from Latvia, Mairis Briedis for the WBC title.

What would make all the sense in the world is including the “Russian Hammer” in the upcoming World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight tournament.

Richard Schaefer, the power behind Comosa AG’s idea of putting the eight best cruiserweights in a tournament, and giving them a lot of money to hit each other hard, must recognize the Russian’s value.

Kudryashov doesn’t know what a “tactical” fight is. Unless “tactical” means “putting all his power into every punch.”

My first impressions after watching his shocking loss from ringside (the first Durodola bout in Kazan) is it had nothing to do with great battle both fighters just had. First, it was Andrey Ryabinsky, “Russian Power” promoter and president of “World of Boxing,” congratulating Kudryashov for “giving all you’ve got and entertaining the fans,” and second was Kudryashov hugging Durodola, shaking his hand with admiration. The ultimate professional, understanding and appreciating other fighter’s skill and will to win.

Briedis vs. Kudryashov, as a part of World Boxing Super Series, would be clash of styles and a great fight. The tournament already includes Briedis, along with IBF champ Murat Gassiev and former WBC/IBF champion Krzysztof “Diablo” Włodarczyk. Five more to go, but no matter who next five will be – Kudryashov versus Anyone will be something fans around the world would appreciate and applaud. Let’s keep the good boxing times rolling…