Rogers: I look into his eyes and I see nothing.
Having repeatedly declared in the months leading up to his clash against Fedor Emelianenko that the Russian was a man…
Having repeatedly declared in the months leading up to his clash against Fedor Emelianenko that the Russian was a man like any other, Brett Rogers admits now to seeing the truth.
“He’s definitely a different fighter,” said Rogers of the heavyweight champion, who will put his legacy and nine-year unbeaten streak on the line Saturday on CBS (9 p.m. ET/PT). “I look into his eyes and I see nothing. I don’t see if he’s serious. I don’t see if he’s trying to be funny. I can’t sense anything from him. A lot of people say, ‘Don’t pay attention to his demeanor because it will psyche you out.’ It’s true. I feel that.”
This kind of acknowledgement is significant for a man who, less than a year ago, made ends meet by changing tires at a Sam’s Club. He’s accepted that few people are giving the 6-foot-5, 265-pound slugger more than a puncher’s chance. He’s recognized the cold, hard task in front of him. Embracing these truths suggests Rogers’ brimming pre-fight confidence isn’t a con. It’s one thing to say you’re going to win; it’s another to actually believe it.