Jared Anderson’s heavyweight development is about to reach the next level as he headlines his hometown Toledo, Ohio.
One of America’s brightest prospects, Anderson has steamrolled through his first 14 opponents and made headlines doing it. Whether it’s his quirky ring walks or relentless style, fans have bought into the hype.
He’s been a favoured sparring partner of heavyweight champ, Tyson Fury, and five of his last six stoppages came in the second round – the one outlier coming in the third.
There’s no questions that ‘Big Baby’ is set for big things, but important steps up are needed at this stage to keep the boxing fans interested and the other contenders suitably wary.
Top Rank intend to deliver just that on July 1 – not yet official – by lining up Kazakhstan’s KO artist, Zhan Kossobutskiy.
Kossobutskiy has 18 stoppages from 19 fights – three of those opponents have been previously undefeated – and is a 240lb southpaw who doesn’t come to lose.
The fight is set for the 8,000-capaticy Huntington Center, and will make Anderson’s first main event as a sign of things to come. It’s expected to be made official this week.
Anderson recently told Sky Sports that it was anger that fueled him in the ring.
“I’m just very irresponsible with my actions. I’ve just had some very reckless fights where I don’t control my anger in the first two rounds and the opponents don’t last.”
The 23-year-old has made no secret that he wants big names on his record soon, calling out the likes of Daniel Dubois and Dillian Whyte previously.
Beating Kossobutskiy is one more step in the right direction for one of boxing’s most intriguing and dangerous prospects.