Heavyweight contender Jared Anderson has issued an apology after he was charged for a felony following a high-speed chase in an attempt to flee a police officer.
The 24-year-old was involved in a 130mph chase with a police officer – who was at his arraignment last Saturday morning – in his Dodge Challenger on Thursday afternoon.
Anderson was arrested in Ohio and, should he be convicted, could now face several years behind bars. After initially airing frustration at Top Rank and ESPN for covering the charge, he has since taken to social media to apologise.
“I want to deeply apologize for my recent actions, I was emotional and that is no excuse. I want to thank ESPN and all Of their staff for always supporting me. I also want to personally apologize to Bob Arum and my entire Top Rank Family. I can only pray that you all forgive me.”
Anderson is currently set to face former cruiserweight world title challenger Ryad Merhy at the American Bank Center in Texas, on April 13.
A decision on whether the fight will still go ahead should be imminent, while the consequences of the American’s actions are being addressed by the authorities, with the Huron Township director of public safety speaking to ESPN.
“We certainly believe it was a case of him baiting us based on the fact he had a camera mounted to the back of his vehicle and that he continued to play a cat-and-mouse game.
“We’re very fortunate that nobody got hurt; the speed reached high levels. Very fortunate our officers were able to balance the public safety with getting him into custody based on his dangerous behavior.”
With a flawless record as a professional, Anderson is widely regarded as the future of heavyweight boxing.
The explosive puncher comes off a fifth-round stoppage victory over Ukrainian Andrii Rudenko in August last year, and hopes to dispatch of his upcoming opponent in similar fashion, should the contest still go ahead next month.