NEW Interview: Tyrell Hendrix Fights for WBF Belt

Tyrell Hendrix vs. Anatoliy Dudchenko THIS Saturday!

Fight fans in Los Angeles never have to look far to get their boxing fix in.

With a wide variety of pro fights and amateur bouts always taking place, L.A.’s the place to be if you love boxing. This weekend’s no different, as several events are scheduled in the City of Angels. In this latest “Chatter Box” column, I’m aiming the spotlight on one of the fighters lacing up this Saturday night.

Meet West L.A. fighter Tyrell Hendrix.

The light heavy (9-1-2, 3 KOs) will be facing Anatoliy Dudchenko (16-2, 11 KOs) for a scheduled 12 rounds of action in the “Combat United” show presented by All Star Promotions’ Ed Holmes and Pete Hironaka. The title fight for the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Championship will be the main event on an exciting card with nine pro boxing bouts along with eight amateur Muay Thai matches on the bill. The clash will go down at the legendary Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown L.A.

Tyrell, who’s fighting name is “Gorgeous” Tyrell Hendrix, is really pumped up about his Saturday battle. He and Anatoliy are former sparring partners so they know each other in and out of the gym. But once the bell rings, all bets are off for a friendly encounter. It’s war–and up for grabs is the blue and gold WBF strap at 175.

I caught up with Hendrix today during a break from the gym. The 29-year-old trains out of the famed Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood. His ring rival, Dudchenko, 34, trains out of the NYC Boxing Club with former pro fighter Phil Paolina.

When the two men lock horns come Saturday night, Tyrell will have a very familiar face in his corner–the only and only Freddie Roach.

There’s a lot at stake for both boxers. The Ukrainian slugger has about an inch in height and more experience in both years and rounds over Hendrix. But Tyrell is five years younger and perhaps hungrier as he fights to make a name in the sport. This will be his first time headlining and his first time venturing into 12 rounds. Managed by Anthony Rescigno, the local athlete has built a large following after each and every fight. This weekend, he plans on getting that W.

During our exclusive chat, Hendrix talks about the elite sparring he got in camp, what having Roach in his corner means to him and how the “Rocky” movies even inspired him!

Michele Chong: Hey Tyrell, your fight’s almost here! Tell me how your training camp went.

Tyrell Hendrix: I feel really good about camp. I sparred with Ismayl Sillakh, Peter Manfredo, Lateef Kayode and others. It was top notch sparring.

MC: Manfredo’s coming back and fighting again…

TH: Yeah and you know what? He’s really sharp! He looked good and he’s tough.

MC: You also sparred with Nathan Cleverly?

TH: Yep, the WBO Champ! I gave him some good work and I gave him a tough time. He gave me some good work too.

MC: And what do you think about Anatoliy?

TH: We know each other well! I’ve actually sparred over 70-80 rounds with him at Fortune’s Gym. (Laughs) We helped each other get ready for fights. So we know each other’s style and what to expect. Now he may try to switch it up a bit…But I’m ready!

MC: On paper, he’s got height, weight and experience on you but I just talked to (matchmaker) Pete Hironaka and he said in person you guys look the same size.

TH: Yeah well, I’m a “legit” 6′ 1″ and I know he says he’s 6′ 3″ but I think he’s only a bit taller than me. You know how guys are…They lie about their height AND their shoe size! (Laughs)

MC: (Laughs) And a lot of people say he resembles Ivan Drago from “Rocky.”

TH: There is that similarity! I’ve watched the Ivan Drago vs. Apollo Creed two to three times on Netflix during training camp. Our fight kinda reminds me of that, with a different outcome, of course! It’s the “American Dream” vs. “The Russian.”

MC: And what’s gonna happen in your fight?

TH: I’m going to be victorious. I’m gonna have my hand raised at the end.

MC: This is scheduled for 12 rounds–your first 12-rounder and first main event? And you have Freddie Roach as your trainer for this, with him taking time to coach you while training Manny Pacquiao.

TH: Yes, this is a big deal for Freddie to be working my corner. I’m honored; it’s amazing. I started boxing when I was 22 so I’ve been boxing for just seven years. I don’t have that God-given or natural talent that some guys have. But I have the ability to punch and I have endurance. I’ve paid my dues and I work hard. Hard work and dedication.

MC: Did you play other sports before you started boxing?

TH: I played basketball. But I just loved boxing and I’ve put in countless hours working hard. I wanna be the best at anything I do. I remember when I was at a car dealership I would work so hard sometimes washing 17 cars in a day just to be the best. (Laughs) I work hard and I think I’m a fast learner too. I’m ready for Saturday!

MC: I hear in your voice how much you’re looking forward to your fight!

TH: Oh yeah, I’m really jacked up and juiced for this fight–and having the main stage!

MC: The promoters are on track for a sell out. I’ve seen–and heard–all the fans that come out for you.

TH: Team Hendrix will be there! We’ve sold 70 tickets already. My Auntie Linda, my cousins and aunties, my family here will all be there–TEAM HENDRIX!

MC: Thanks again, Tyrell and have a great fight on Saturday!

TH: Thank you and we’ll see everyone there!

All Star Promotions’ Pete Hironaka says this is a highly-anticipated matchup in which WBF Supervisor Alan Santana will award the championship belt.

“It’s gonna be an entertaining fight,” the matchmaker tells me. “Both are in great shape; both are almost exactly the same size so physically it’s a well-matched bout. On Tuesday we had a meet-and-greet at the City Club and both boxers are very personable so we’re expecting a packed house.”

The Bonaventure venue will hold about 1,200 fight fans–and tickets sales have been brisk. Hironaka says there are less than 100 tickets left but fans can still get their tickets at the door to catch this Dudchenko-Hendrix feud.

Humble and hardworking, Tyrell Hendrix plans on beating his Ukrainian nemesis while Dudchenko will no doubt unveil his own game plan to win.

If you want to witness the 2012 version of “Ivan Drago vs. Apollo Creed” don’t miss out on Anatoliy Dudchenko vs. Tyrell Hendrix this Saturday night!

COMBAT UNITED
All Star Promotions
Saturday, November 17
Doors Open 5 PM
First Bell 6 PM
(All bouts subject to change)
Tickets: 323-816-6200 or at the door