Woolridge: I am going to win my fight

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24: It is a lot of pressure, but Sentwali Woolridge just shrugs it off.

The Bermuda San Shou Association martial artist will be headlining Saturday’s Rumble on the Rock 2 at the Tennis Stadium.

The event has been given a Gloves Over Guns theme by organizer Donald Smith.

Besides being on the last card of the night, Woolridge has fought at the world championships so he doesn’t let the big events get to him.

He said: “It does add a little bit of pressure onto me to headline this event.

“I want to give a good performance – perform at my best.

“I also want to entertain the crowd — It’s not all about winning, it’s also about entertaining the crowd.”

Woolridge, 27, says that doesn’t mean showboating in front of the fans.

“I don’t showboat — I just want to give a good performance and show proper technique and skills.”

The Parks Department landscaper will be taking on Theopilus Tor from Absoloot Boxing in Atlanta.

Woolridge said even though he does not know much about Tor, he likes his odds on home soil.

“My chances are pretty good if I stick to my technique and hold my hands up, I think I am going to win.

“It does make a difference in not knowing who you are fighting. You want to know a little bit about your opponent so I’m going to do some research on him and feel him out in the first round and then go from there.”

He said fighting out in the open air of the Tennis Stadium will be a different experience, but “I’m pretty much acclimatized to that because I work outside. If anything, that should be to my advantage.

“But it really doesn’t matter to me — I can fight anywhere.”

Woolridge said that takes the crowd out of the equation partly because the crowd noise will not be as loud as some other venues might be, like when bouts were held at the Number One Shed.

“But the crowd will still be a factor and I plan on working to the crowd and I want to please them.”