Kudryashov Celebrates Birthday with Knockout Victory
Dmitry Kudryashov, a seasoned Russian boxer, showcased his formidable skills in the ring by knocking out Brazilian fighter Fernando Rodriguez in the third round of their bout on October 25, 2024. This victory not only marked Kudryashov's 29th career win—28 of which are by knockout—but also served as a birthday celebration for the athlete, who turned 39 on the day of the fight.
Kudryashov, who had initially announced his retirement in 2022 after a loss to Soslan Asbarov, made a successful return to boxing, winning three consecutive fights since then. This match was his second fight of 2024, following a first-round knockout of Daniel Leonardo Robutti in March. Originally slated to face former UFC fighter Greg Hardy, Kudryashov ended up fighting Rodriguez, who was making his boxing debut after a mixed martial arts career with a record of 13 wins and 9 losses.
Rodriguez entered the ring with aspirations of delivering a surprise, but Kudryashov, known for his powerful left hook, demonstrated his superiority from the outset. Although Rodriguez attempted to apply pressure and landed a few hits, he ultimately succumbed to Kudryashov's knockout power. The fight concluded when a left hook sent Rodriguez to the canvas, leading the referee to stop the bout after a follow-up right punch, solidifying Kudryashov's dominance in the ring.
Vasilevsky's Victory in Co-Main Event
In the co-main event, Vyacheslav Vasilevsky faced Brazilian fighter Gleison Tibau, who was also making his boxing debut. Vasilevsky, a seasoned mixed martial artist with 45 fights under his belt, showcased his boxing skills by outclassing Tibau throughout the match. Utilizing his height and reach advantage, Vasilevsky maintained a high pace, effectively landing body shots that slowed down his opponent. Despite Tibau's efforts to engage at close range, he struggled to keep up with Vasilevsky's speed and technique, ultimately losing the fight by unanimous decision.
Both Kudryashov and Vasilevsky's victories highlight the growing prominence of Russian athletes in the boxing arena, particularly as they continue to transition from mixed martial arts to boxing. Kudryashov's post-fight remarks emphasized his passion for the sport, stating, "I just love it, and it doesn't matter who you are facing. The main thing is the process itself." His commitment to the sport and family was evident as his children joined him in the ring to celebrate his birthday, marking a memorable occasion for the fighter.
