SteemSports Presenter:
SteemSports Editor:
For the WBA World Cruiserweight Title!
Yunier Dorticos:
This 21-0 Cuban Boxer possesses not only an undefeated record, but a 95% knockout ratio with only one win coming by way of Unanimous Decision. He is an absolute technician at cruiserweight, and poses an immense problem for all contenders with his timely pace, solid jab, and deceptive power. He is entering this tournament as a slight under dog to his opponent, but he is the dark horse in this tournament. With a big win in the coming weeks, Dorticos may plant himself for a big match as cruiserweight with Gassiev, or may even move to heavyweight. Regardless of the controversy surrounding his bout with Kalenga, and the acetate on his gloves, we may never know the truth. Dorticos was accused of using the chemical substance on his gloves which causes a burning and irritation on the skin, I would hope Dorticos would never stoop to such lows....but we never truly know in the world of boxing. There will be no foul play in this upcoming bout, and Dorticos needs no boost or cheat as he is a tremendous pugilist on his own.
Dmitry 'The Russian Hammer' Kudryashov:
Arguably the hardest hitter in boxing (pound for pound) today, Kudryashov possesses a dominating right hand and solid liver punch which has crumbled 21 of his 21 opponents. The 21-1 boxer has a 100% knockout rate, and his only loss came late last year against contender Duradola in which he was knocked out...Kudryashov does not like leaving it to the judges, no matter which way the victory goes. He redeemed that loss early this year in a more polished performance, but one which still showed his lacking defense. His tremendous power is always something to watch for, and he does evolve fight by fight in little ways; against Duradola in the rematch he learned to target the body early and reserve the right hand. At cruiserweight the smartest fighters win by attrition, as any man can land a single, fight ending blow at any time. Expect a more refined Russian Hammer to approach this tourney, but he won't deviate from the gameplay of his right hand...it is one of the most vicious weapons in boxing today!
Breakdown and Prediction:
This whole tournament is action packed, filled with violent big men whom want the title! This fight is set up to propel one of these men into stardom, as neither as really a household name or asset right now. I see Kudryashov dictating the early pace as Dorticos likes to put on the power and volume late in fights. The Russian Hammer will be aggressive as always, and Dorticos can not underestimate the chin nor power of the Russian even though he has been finished, lapses in judgement lead to loss. Both men are massive at an equal 6 foot 3 inches, and they will both weigh in at the cruiserweight max of 200 pounds. This one will be a tremendous battle of will and power, each shot will take it's toll on both men. When it comes down to it, I prefer technicians over hype machines. I'll take the Cuban and the glory of the jab!
Yunier Dorticos by Unanimous Decision
