Shakur Stevenson is widely regarded as one of the most talented fighters in the entire sport, with many of the opinion that is only a matter of time before the Newark native ascends up the pound for pound rankings.
Already a two weight world champion aged just 25, Stevenson is one of the shining lights of a bustling Top Rank stable.
Also one of the prized assets of Bob Arum’s outfit is heavyweight contender Jared Anderson, with whom Stevenson shares a close bond and describes as his “little big brother.”
And, on a feature on Top Rank’s YouTube channel, Stevenson described Anderson as a “special talent,” who he envisages dominating the blue ribbon division in years to come.
“I already knew he [Anderson] was a special talent. You get to see certain fighters in the gym, and once you see them you already know what sort of fighters they’re going to be.”
“In years to come he’s going to be so dominant, all he’s got to do is stay focused.”
Anderson has made a picture perfect start to his professional career, defeating all 14 men to share the ring with him inside the distance.
His next fight, however, will be his toughest yet, when he takes on former top Kazakh amateur Zhan Kossobutskiy at the Huntingdon Centre in Toledo.
Kossobutskiy is also undefeated, and only one of his 19 opponents thus far has managed to last until the final bell.
Top Rank’s other rising heavyweight prospect, Arslanbek Makhmudov, will fight Nigerian heavyweight Raphael Akpejiori on the card, with a fight with Anderson believed to be in waiting should the Russian emerge victorious.