Jared Anderson is fast gaining fans for his explosive fighting style – but it’s his authentic and vulnerable persona outside of the ropes that will earn him more, as proven by a recent exchange with Roy Jones Jr.
The 14-0 heavyweight with as many stoppages is set to headline in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio against former world champion, Charles Martin.
It’s clear to see that he’s expected to be the next big thing in the heavyweight division, especially from the promitional weight Top Rank are putting behind him.
But does he want it? In training footage with four-weight world champion, Roy Jones Jr, Anderson told the boxing great that the sport may not be what makes him happy.
“My mom, my parents, they instilled in me as a kid who I was and what I would be. That I was gonna change something. That I was gonna be better. I was gonna be different, period. And boxing is never gonna make me not be that. I know I’m good at this and I know I can have fun in this, but this might not be what completely makes me happy.”
Jones Jr, who himself was heavyweight champion, went on to deliver a pep-talk that fans are branding one of the most inspirational that they’ve seen in some time.
“The higher power gave you more. When there’s more given, more is expected. So guess what? Jared has an obligation to the higher power. To all of those back in Toledo where he came from. To his mother. To succeed … You let a lot of people down if you quit right now. People that love you for real. Some people that would give their life for you. Cause your momma would give her life right now for her son.”
Anderson was tearful, highlighting the pressure he felt at just 23-years-old. Jones said that the heavyweight standing in front of him – like himself – was built different, built to handle it.
“Jared may not think he can sometimes. Jared may get messed up sometimes. But Jared can wear these shoes. That’s why Jared has it. You understand me?”
An emotional Anderson says he didn’t ask for it, proving what he’s been saying in the media about his lack of love for the sport and a goal of early retirement is completely authentic.
Jones, of course, had an answer.
“Too bad. Jared has a destiny that Jared can’t run from. Jared ain’t no coward, I already know that. Jared gotta make up his mind, and let’s go. You gotta ride that horse, son. I’m sorry. You ain’t gotta ride it till the wheels come off, but you gotta ride it till you get where you wanna be in life, then you gonna get off of it. We gonna ride that horse.”
This moment between @RealRoyJonesJr and @TeamBigBabyy will give you chills 🙏 pic.twitter.com/As6QLzKsmF
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 26, 2023
Anderson faces Martin on July 1, continuing his reluctant rise to the very pinnacle of the sport.