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'My Biggest Motivation is Disrespect' - Says Jared Anderson Before Anderson vs Rudenko Bout
American heavyweight sensation Jared Anderson is fueled by the skepticism surrounding his recent victory. After outclassing ex-IBF champion Charles Martin in a match that not only marked his first time going a full 10 rounds but also the first time he didn't win by knockout, Anderson felt a wave of criticism. Reeling from what he perceives as "disrespect," Anderson is more motivated than ever. He believes his boxing prowess and reputation played a significant role in the high expectations. Moreover, Anderson is confident in his capabilities, considering himself as one of the rare talents equipped to take on the likes of the unified champion Oleksandr Usyk.
"Somebody asked me what is my biggest motivation? And after that fight, my biggest motivation is disrespect. What people said about me. How they came for my boxing ability, for my name," he told Sky Sports. "Because I don't fight for me, I fight for my last name. I fight for who comes with me and that's like disrespecting my family when you talk about me like that. There's some people who said some hurtful things. "I know words don't hurt people, but I'm one of those people where I don't want anything bad for you, or I won't say anything bad against you, unless you do that to me. "Just to know that people don't honestly know me and to say those things about me is disrespectful and it's motivating me right now." Charles acquitted himself well in that contest. "He actually came to fight. He showed up, he showed out," Anderson said. "He wasn't stationary at all. He moved a lot that fight, he used his legs, even when I was hitting him with good shots, even when I did go to his body. "He did a lot of things to try and negate what I was doing, but I was also on the other hand negating what he had to the best of his ability. I took his best shot well, I caught shots, even after that and did what I was supposed to do in order to win."Anderson defeated Charles in July. He'll be back in action this weekend against Andrii Rudenko at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the early hours of Sunday morning.
"I'm expecting a rugged fight. Somebody who just wants to get in tight and be able to hit me with anything he can," the American said. "I'm sure he's aware that I'm pretty slick and I'll be able to move with my feet, especially move my head, so I'm sure he'll try all his veteran tricks to do it." Anderson believes he has the power to stop Rudenko. "I definitely think I do. I go to the body, not like these other heavyweights. I don't just stay on top and try and hit you on top of your head," he said. "I've seen some people take some dangerous shots to the head and keep coming forward. I plan to go downstairs and see what his bread basket is like."
