‘He looks like my hero Lenin!’: Russian boxing promoter praises opponent ahead of fight
Vlad Hrunov, promoter of Russian boxer Fedor Chudinov, admitted his loyalties may be split when his fighter takes on England’s George Groves this Saturday, as the latter reminds him of his hero Vladimir Lenin.
Chudinov and Groves will contest the vacant WBA super middleweight title at Bramall Lane, home stadium of Sheffield United, on the undercard of the Kell Brook versus Errol Spence Jr IBF welterweight title clash.
In the press conference for the fight, promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom boxing asked Hrunov what he thought of Groves.
"I have problem, because George Groves looks like my hero - Vladimir Lenin," replied Moscow resident Hrunov, to laughter from the crowd.
http://t.co/NEF4LI8hicpic.twitter.com/YlNerJJXuy
— Vlad Hrunov (@HrunovVlad) July 11, 2015
Hrunov, who calls himself “Russia's No1 boxing promoter”, has promoted 30 boxing shows held all over Russia.
Groves, who has a record of 25 wins and three losses, will be contesting his fourth world title fight and admits it may be his last chance to win a world belt.
“Chudinov is a good opponent. The belt is vacant because he lost his last one but he was a bit unlucky in that fight,” said the 29-year-old.
“There are still some unknowns about him. We haven’t seen how far he can be pushed, but I know I’m capable of beating him.
“I believe this is the best opportunity for me to achieve my dream and become world champion. Time is on my side. I had a good year last year, and I’m in a good place. I’ve put in the work, and now I need to make this count.
Presser done for the day. Still lovely and sunny in Sheffield. Chudinov says he's a little excited. Me too! pic.twitter.com/S4EY5LABlm
— George Groves (@StGeorgeGroves) May 25, 2017
“It’s up to me to deliver. I want to be world champion and I want to be involved in some huge fights. I know I’m good enough, and with Shane in my corner, I’m back to my best, and ready to make to make it happen.”
Bratsk-born Chudinov, who has fourteen wins and one loss as a professional, is aiming to win back the belt he won from Felix Sturm in his thirteenth professional fight but lost to the German eight months later.
