Tag: charles martin

Opinion: Jared Anderson developing into top contender, not overhyped

Opinion: Jared Anderson is developing into a top contender, meaning he has not been overhyped.

What does Jared Anderson’s most recent performance say about him?

The 23-year-old heavyweight contender defeated veteran Charles Martin by a near-shutout decision this past July to retain his perfect record. However, Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) went the distance for the first time and had to endure some harrowing moments, leading some to suggest that he isn’t ready for prime time.

That might be true but it makes no sense to dismiss him as overhyped as he prepares to face veteran Andriy Rudenko on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma (ESPN+).

Every young fighter experiences growing pangs, which can serve to hone his or her skills. The talent is there. Said Martin, who had a short reign as a titleholder and has faced a number of top heavyweights: “The dude is crafty as a m—–f—–.”

Television analyst and Hall of Famer Tim Bradley was among those who suggested that Anderson has a lot of room to grow 15 fights into his professional career.

Bradley was asked by ESPN whether Anderson is ready for the top heavyweights.

“No, not yet,” he said. “After seeing his performance and seeing the punches that he was getting hit with as he was pulling straight back, he’s not ready.”

Anderson’s handlers appear to agree with Bradley given the choice of opponent for Saturday night. Rudenko (35-6, 21 KOs) is a significant step down from Martin in terms of the threat he poses to Anderson.

The 39-year-old Ukrainian is durable, as he demonstrated by going the distance with Alexander Povetkin, Agit Kabayel and Zhilei Zhang. However, he lost one-sided decisions in those and other fights and was stopped for the first time against unbeaten countryman Vladyslav Sirenko two bouts ago.

In other words, he has almost no chance to win on Saturday, which is probably how those in Anderson’s corner want it after what has been perceived as a tough test against Martin.

But how difficult was it?

Anderson took the fight to Martin and outworked him from the opening bell, including a knockdown in Round 3. His trial by fire came in Round 5, when Martin rocked him with a straight left halfway through the round and  followed with more hard lefts as Anderson shifted into survival mode.

Anderson was in serious trouble but, demonstrating impressive resilience, he remained on his feet, survived the most harrowing moment of his career and went back to dominating the fight.

According to CompuBox, he outlanded Martin in all but the fifth round and 157-85 overall. He also connected on 53% of his power punches.

“Even when I rocked him he was able to maneuver to get out of the way,” Martin said. “He’s going to be a champion, definitely going to be a champion.”

Was it a great performance? No. But it was convincing. And, more important, it was a valuable experience that will make Anderson a better fighter going forward.

After all, he had only 29 professional rounds under his belt going into the fight.

“I just wanted to make sure I could go the distance, that I had it in me,” he said. “Especially I wanted to be able to withstand power for the whole 10 rounds. He had power until the last round.

“I was just happy to get the rounds in.”

[lawrence-related id=38602,37985,37980,37967]

Opinion: Jared Anderson developing into top contender, not overhyped

Opinion: Jared Anderson is developing into a top contender, meaning he has not been overhyped.

What does Jared Anderson’s most recent performance say about him?

The 23-year-old heavyweight contender defeated veteran Charles Martin by a near-shutout decision this past July to retain his perfect record. However, Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) went the distance for the first time and had to endure some harrowing moments, leading some to suggest that he isn’t ready for prime time.

That might be true but it makes no sense to dismiss him as overhyped as he prepares to face veteran Andriy Rudenko on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma (ESPN+).

Every young fighter experiences growing pangs, which can serve to hone his or her skills. The talent is there. Said Martin, who had a short reign as a titleholder and has faced a number of top heavyweights: “The dude is crafty as a m—–f—–.”

Television analyst and Hall of Famer Tim Bradley was among those who suggested that Anderson has a lot of room to grow 15 fights into his professional career.

Bradley was asked by ESPN whether Anderson is ready for the top heavyweights.

“No, not yet,” he said. “After seeing his performance and seeing the punches that he was getting hit with as he was pulling straight back, he’s not ready.”

Anderson’s handlers appear to agree with Bradley given the choice of opponent for Saturday night. Rudenko (35-6, 21 KOs) is a significant step down from Martin in terms of the threat he poses to Anderson.

The 39-year-old Ukrainian is durable, as he demonstrated by going the distance with Alexander Povetkin, Agit Kabayel and Zhilei Zhang. However, he lost one-sided decisions in those and other fights and was stopped for the first time against unbeaten countryman Vladyslav Sirenko two bouts ago.

In other words, he has almost no chance to win on Saturday, which is probably how those in Anderson’s corner want it after what has been perceived as a tough test against Martin.

But how difficult was it?

Anderson took the fight to Martin and outworked him from the opening bell, including a knockdown in Round 3. His trial by fire came in Round 5, when Martin rocked him with a straight left halfway through the round and  followed with more hard lefts as Anderson shifted into survival mode.

Anderson was in serious trouble but, demonstrating impressive resilience, he remained on his feet, survived the most harrowing moment of his career and went back to dominating the fight.

According to CompuBox, he outlanded Martin in all but the fifth round and 157-85 overall. He also connected on 53% of his power punches.

“Even when I rocked him he was able to maneuver to get out of the way,” Martin said. “He’s going to be a champion, definitely going to be a champion.”

Was it a great performance? No. But it was convincing. And, more important, it was a valuable experience that will make Anderson a better fighter going forward.

After all, he had only 29 professional rounds under his belt going into the fight.

“I just wanted to make sure I could go the distance, that I had it in me,” he said. “Especially I wanted to be able to withstand power for the whole 10 rounds. He had power until the last round.

“I was just happy to get the rounds in.”

[lawrence-related id=38602,37985,37980,37967]

Weekend Review: Jared Anderson learns, Canelo Alvarez surprises

Weekend Review: Jared Anderson’s learning experience, Savannah Marshall’s impressive victory and Canelo Alvarez’s surprising decision.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Jared Anderson

All top fighters have to walk through fire at some point to become true stars. Anderson, the 23-year-old heavyweight contender, suffered a minor burn in his unanimous decision victory over veteran Charles Martin in a 10-round bout Saturday in Toledo, Ohio, Anderson’s hometown. Martin (29-4-1, 26 KOs) became the first to take Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) the distance, a fate that was inevitable as his opposition became stronger. And he had to overcome harrowing adversity in Round 5, when he was hurt by a straight left from his southpaw opponent midway through the round and took many more hard blows before the bell ended the threat. He got through it, demonstrating resilience that should serve him well going forward. Anderson didn’t look spectacular, as he had in previous fights against lower-level foes. That doesn’t mean he suddenly lacks the potential we thought he had. On the contrary, he survived a genuine challenge from a capable opponent – and late replacement – to win a one-sided decision and gained valuable experience in the process. I think more of Anderson than I did before he entered the ring on Saturday.

 

BIGGEST WINNER II
Savannah Marshall

Marshall isn’t as good as Claressa Shields – as we saw in October – but she reminded us how capable she is on Saturday in Manchester, England, where she survived the bruising tactics of Franchon Crews-Dezurn to win a majority decision and the undisputed 168-pound championship in an ugly fight. Crews-Dezurn isn’t much of a boxer but her incessant pressure, her ability to bull her way into close quarters poses a daunting physical challenge for any opponent. Marshall not only had the toughness to cope with Crews-Dezurn’s style but also created enough room to land stinging, eye-catching shots with more than enough consistency to earn 99-92 and 97-93 advantages on two of the three official cards. (Judge Paul Wallace’s 95-95 card is inexplicable). It was arguably the best night of the Englishwoman’s career. She now wants a rematch at 168 pounds with Shields, who defeated her by a convincing decision at 160 eight months ago. Marshall probably wouldn’t win that fight but one never knows. She sure looked formidable on Saturday.

 

BIGGEST SURPRISE
Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo

I made the assumption that when Alvarez signed a three-fight deal with Premier Boxing Champions that he would finally fight the best possible opponents his size. Well, he threw us a curve. The undisputed 168-pound champion announced on social media that he will fight his 154-pound counterpart Jermell Charlo on Sept. 30 in Las Vegas. Alvarez was expected to face the other Charlo, Jermall, a 160-pound titleholder. However, having him face the Mexican star after a two-plus-year layoff evidently was too much to ask. So Alvarez turned to Jermell Charlo. The junior middleweight champ is one of the best fighters in the world pound-for-pound, better than his brother. He has the ability to compete with Alvarez, particularly if the future Hall of Famer is in decline as many believe. The potential problem is that Charlo will have to move up two weight classes or 14 pounds, which could be a disadvantage that is impossible to overcome. I think there’s a good chance even this version of Alvarez will pummel Charlo, after which we’ll all wonder whether the fight should’ve been made in the first place. I’m disappointed.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Anderson showed a great deal of maturity during his post-fight interview Saturday, declining to call out the top heavyweights. Instead, he made it clear that his principal goal right now is to remain active. He said he wants to fight two more times this year. I hope he reaches 20 bouts before he tangles with the likes of Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua. … News item: Sky Sports has reported that Dillian Whyte has signed an agreement to face Joshua a second time on Aug. 12 in London. I guess that matchup would do good business in the U.K. but how many times are they going to trot out the powerful, but limited Whyte for a big fight? It’s getting boring. Of course, if Joshua meets Deontay Wilder late this year I’ll forget all about this unappetizing matchup. … Nineteen-year-old 135-pound prospect Abdullah Mason (9-0, 8 KOs) of Cleveland knocked out overmatched Alex de Oliveira (20-5, 14 KOs) in the second round of a scheduled six-rounder on the Anderson-Martin card. Mason, who put de Oliveira down three times, appears to have all the ingredients to become a major player in the sport. He’s naturally gifted, he can box, he has power and he carries himself with the maturity of an older fighter. He’s definitely one to watch.

[lawrence-related id=37980,37970,37967,37961]

Weekend Review: Jared Anderson learns, Canelo Alvarez surprises

Weekend Review: Jared Anderson’s learning experience, Savannah Marshall’s impressive victory and Canelo Alvarez’s surprising decision.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER
Jared Anderson

All top fighters have to walk through fire at some point to become true stars. Anderson, the 23-year-old heavyweight contender, suffered a minor burn in his unanimous decision victory over veteran Charles Martin in a 10-round bout Saturday in Toledo, Ohio, Anderson’s hometown. Martin (29-4-1, 26 KOs) became the first to take Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) the distance, a fate that was inevitable as his opposition became stronger. And he had to overcome harrowing adversity in Round 5, when he was hurt by a straight left from his southpaw opponent midway through the round and took many more hard blows before the bell ended the threat. He got through it, demonstrating resilience that should serve him well going forward. Anderson didn’t look spectacular, as he had in previous fights against lower-level foes. That doesn’t mean he suddenly lacks the potential we thought he had. On the contrary, he survived a genuine challenge from a capable opponent – and late replacement – to win a one-sided decision and gained valuable experience in the process. I think more of Anderson than I did before he entered the ring on Saturday.

 

BIGGEST WINNER II
Savannah Marshall

Marshall isn’t as good as Claressa Shields – as we saw in October – but she reminded us how capable she is on Saturday in Manchester, England, where she survived the bruising tactics of Franchon Crews-Dezurn to win a majority decision and the undisputed 168-pound championship in an ugly fight. Crews-Dezurn isn’t much of a boxer but her incessant pressure, her ability to bull her way into close quarters poses a daunting physical challenge for any opponent. Marshall not only had the toughness to cope with Crews-Dezurn’s style but also created enough room to land stinging, eye-catching shots with more than enough consistency to earn 99-92 and 97-93 advantages on two of the three official cards. (Judge Paul Wallace’s 95-95 card is inexplicable). It was arguably the best night of the Englishwoman’s career. She now wants a rematch at 168 pounds with Shields, who defeated her by a convincing decision at 160 eight months ago. Marshall probably wouldn’t win that fight but one never knows. She sure looked formidable on Saturday.

 

BIGGEST SURPRISE
Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo

I made the assumption that when Alvarez signed a three-fight deal with Premier Boxing Champions that he would finally fight the best possible opponents his size. Well, he threw us a curve. The undisputed 168-pound champion announced on social media that he will fight his 154-pound counterpart Jermell Charlo on Sept. 30 in Las Vegas. Alvarez was expected to face the other Charlo, Jermall, a 160-pound titleholder. However, having him face the Mexican star after a two-plus-year layoff evidently was too much to ask. So Alvarez turned to Jermell Charlo. The junior middleweight champ is one of the best fighters in the world pound-for-pound, better than his brother. He has the ability to compete with Alvarez, particularly if the future Hall of Famer is in decline as many believe. The potential problem is that Charlo will have to move up two weight classes or 14 pounds, which could be a disadvantage that is impossible to overcome. I think there’s a good chance even this version of Alvarez will pummel Charlo, after which we’ll all wonder whether the fight should’ve been made in the first place. I’m disappointed.

 

RABBIT PUNCHES

Anderson showed a great deal of maturity during his post-fight interview Saturday, declining to call out the top heavyweights. Instead, he made it clear that his principal goal right now is to remain active. He said he wants to fight two more times this year. I hope he reaches 20 bouts before he tangles with the likes of Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua. … News item: Sky Sports has reported that Dillian Whyte has signed an agreement to face Joshua a second time on Aug. 12 in London. I guess that matchup would do good business in the U.K. but how many times are they going to trot out the powerful, but limited Whyte for a big fight? It’s getting boring. Of course, if Joshua meets Deontay Wilder late this year I’ll forget all about this unappetizing matchup. … Nineteen-year-old 135-pound prospect Abdullah Mason (9-0, 8 KOs) of Cleveland knocked out overmatched Alex de Oliveira (20-5, 14 KOs) in the second round of a scheduled six-rounder on the Anderson-Martin card. Mason, who put de Oliveira down three times, appears to have all the ingredients to become a major player in the sport. He’s naturally gifted, he can box, he has power and he carries himself with the maturity of an older fighter. He’s definitely one to watch.

[lawrence-related id=37980,37970,37967,37961]

Jared Anderson fails to stop Charles Martin but welcomes experience

Heavyweight contender Jared Anderson failed to stop Charles Martin but welcomed the chance to gain experience on Saturday in Toledo, Ohio.

Jared Anderson’s victory over Charles Martin wasn’t spectacular but it was productive.

The 23-year-old heavyweight failed to score a knockout for the first time in his career, defeating his veteran opponent by a one-sided unanimous decision in a 10-round bout Saturday at Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio, Anderson’s hometown.

However, he gained valuable experience against a veteran opponent. And, in a harrowing minute-plus in Round 5, he proved that he could survive adversity.

Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) said afterward that he appreciated the opportunity to get some work under his belt. He had never been past six rounds.

“I just wanted to make sure I could go the distance, that I had it in me,” he said. “Especially I wanted to be able to withstand power for the whole 10 rounds. He had power until the last round.

“I was just happy to get the rounds in.”

Anderson controlled most of the fight, stalking a backpedaling Martin, fighting behind is stiff jab and landing more than enough power shots to win rounds.

His biggest punch came in Round 3, when a cupping right hand put Martin (29-4-1, 26 KOs) onto his behind with only a few seconds remaining on the clock. Martin, who hadn’t done much to this point, survived and went back to fighting on his back foot.

Then, when Martin began to stand his ground in Round 5, the fight suddenly got interesting. A straight left from the former titleholder rocked Anderson about halfway through the round and he followed with more accurate left hands as Anderson shifted into survival mode.

It was the greatest adversity Anderson has faced in his young career. And he got through it.

He got back to outboxing and outworking in the next round and never found himself in trouble again, which accounts for the fact that he lost only one round on two cards and two on the third.

He was asked whether he was hurt badly in the fifth.

“Do I feel I got hit with a good shot and was stunned? Nah,” he said. “But I do feel he hit me with a good shot and made me aware. Yes, I had to readjust. I was like, ‘Oh, damn, he hit me with a good shot.’ So I had to readjust and get back into my game plan.”

Martin, who took the fight on less than two weeks notice, was impressed with Anderson.

“He’s really good,” Martin said. “He’s a crafty boxer. Usually when I catch somebody and hurt them I can finish up, I can follow up if he’s still standing up … and put him away. He’s like a little middleweight. The dude is crafty as a m—–f—–.

“Even when I rocked him he was able to maneuver to get out of the way. He’s going to be a champion, definitely going to be a champion.”

Anderson is ranked in the Top 10 of three of the four major sanctioning bodies, meaning a title shot is on the horizon if he continues to win.

However, he seemed to imply that it’s too early for him to begin calling out the biggest names in the division. Of course, he’s willing to fight everyone. His focus now, though, is simply to continue to improve.

He has fought only 41 rounds as a professional, including the 10 on Saturday.

“No specific names,” he said when he was asked who he wants to fight next. “Everybody in the Top 10. Why not? Let’s get it on.” He was then asked whether his priority is keeping busy. “100 percent active. I want to try to get two more fights this year.”

Jared Anderson fails to stop Charles Martin but welcomes experience

Heavyweight contender Jared Anderson failed to stop Charles Martin but welcomed the chance to gain experience on Saturday in Toledo, Ohio.

Jared Anderson’s victory over Charles Martin wasn’t spectacular but it was productive.

The 23-year-old heavyweight failed to score a knockout for the first time in his career, defeating his veteran opponent by a one-sided unanimous decision in a 10-round bout Saturday at Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio, Anderson’s hometown.

However, he gained valuable experience against a veteran opponent. And, in a harrowing minute-plus in Round 5, he proved that he could survive adversity.

Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) said afterward that he appreciated the opportunity to get some work under his belt. He had never been past six rounds.

“I just wanted to make sure I could go the distance, that I had it in me,” he said. “Especially I wanted to be able to withstand power for the whole 10 rounds. He had power until the last round.

“I was just happy to get the rounds in.”

Anderson controlled most of the fight, stalking a backpedaling Martin, fighting behind is stiff jab and landing more than enough power shots to win rounds.

His biggest punch came in Round 3, when a cupping right hand put Martin (29-4-1, 26 KOs) onto his behind with only a few seconds remaining on the clock. Martin, who hadn’t done much to this point, survived and went back to fighting on his back foot.

Then, when Martin began to stand his ground in Round 5, the fight suddenly got interesting. A straight left from the former titleholder rocked Anderson about halfway through the round and he followed with more accurate left hands as Anderson shifted into survival mode.

It was the greatest adversity Anderson has faced in his young career. And he got through it.

He got back to outboxing and outworking in the next round and never found himself in trouble again, which accounts for the fact that he lost only one round on two cards and two on the third.

He was asked whether he was hurt badly in the fifth.

“Do I feel I got hit with a good shot and was stunned? Nah,” he said. “But I do feel he hit me with a good shot and made me aware. Yes, I had to readjust. I was like, ‘Oh, damn, he hit me with a good shot.’ So I had to readjust and get back into my game plan.”

Martin, who took the fight on less than two weeks notice, was impressed with Anderson.

“He’s really good,” Martin said. “He’s a crafty boxer. Usually when I catch somebody and hurt them I can finish up, I can follow up if he’s still standing up … and put him away. He’s like a little middleweight. The dude is crafty as a m—–f—–.

“Even when I rocked him he was able to maneuver to get out of the way. He’s going to be a champion, definitely going to be a champion.”

Anderson is ranked in the Top 10 of three of the four major sanctioning bodies, meaning a title shot is on the horizon if he continues to win.

However, he seemed to imply that it’s too early for him to begin calling out the biggest names in the division. Of course, he’s willing to fight everyone. His focus now, though, is simply to continue to improve.

He has fought only 41 rounds as a professional, including the 10 on Saturday.

“No specific names,” he said when he was asked who he wants to fight next. “Everybody in the Top 10. Why not? Let’s get it on.” He was then asked whether his priority is keeping busy. “100 percent active. I want to try to get two more fights this year.”

Jared Anderson vs. Charles Martin: LIVE updates, results, full coverage

Jared Anderson vs. Charles Martin: LIVE updates, results, full coverage.

Heavyweight contender Jared Anderson defeated Charles Martin by a unanimous decision Saturday at Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio, Anderson’s hometown.

The official scores were 99-90, 99-90 and 98-91. Boxing Junkie also scored 99-90, nine rounds to one for Anderson.

Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) failed to scored a knockout for the first time in his professional career but he gained valuable experience against a veteran opponent.

The 23-year-old rising star put Martin (29-4-1, 26 KOs) down in the final seconds of the third round, the only time either man touched the canvas.

However, Anderson endured the scariest moment of his career two rounds later, when Martin, a southpaw, hurt him with a straight left and followed with many more hard, accurate power shots.

Anderson bounced back well in Round 6, doing what he did for most of the rest of the fight. That was to stalk Martin, fight behind his jab and land more than enough accurate power shots to win rounds.

You can read a full report here.

***

Lightweight prospect Abdullah Mason (9-0, 8 KOs) of Cleveland knocked out Alex de Oliveira (20-5, 14 KOs) of Brazil at 2:18 of the second round of a scheduled six-rounder.

Mason outclassed his opponent from the opening bell, outboxing him in the first round and then putting him down and out in the second.

***

Heavyweight contender Makhmudov (18-0, 17 KOs) of Russia stopped Raphael Akpejori (15-2, 14 KOs) of Nigeria in the second round of a scheduled 10-round bout.

Makhmudov put Akpejori down twice in the first round and once in the second, prompting the referee to stop the fight

***

Rising young heavyweight contender Jared Anderson will face veteran Charles Martin on Saturday at Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio, Anderson’s hometown (ESPN, ESPN+).

The fighters weighed in on Friday. Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) came in at 243.4 pounds, Martin (29-3-1, 26 KOs) at 250.5.

The featured bouts on the card begin at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. The main event will take place later in the show.

Boxing Junkie will post the results of the main event and other featured bouts immediately after they end. Simply return to this post and refresh when the time comes.

Full coverage – a fight story, photo gallery and analysis – will follow on separate posts the day of the fight and the following day.

Enjoy the fights!

[lawrence-related id=37955,37940,34691,27263]

Jared Anderson vs. Charles Martin: LIVE updates, results, full coverage

Jared Anderson vs. Charles Martin: LIVE updates, results, full coverage.

Heavyweight contender Jared Anderson defeated Charles Martin by a unanimous decision Saturday at Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio, Anderson’s hometown.

The official scores were 99-90, 99-90 and 98-91. Boxing Junkie also scored 99-90, nine rounds to one for Anderson.

Anderson (15-0, 14 KOs) failed to scored a knockout for the first time in his professional career but he gained valuable experience against a veteran opponent.

The 23-year-old rising star put Martin (29-4-1, 26 KOs) down in the final seconds of the third round, the only time either man touched the canvas.

However, Anderson endured the scariest moment of his career two rounds later, when Martin, a southpaw, hurt him with a straight left and followed with many more hard, accurate power shots.

Anderson bounced back well in Round 6, doing what he did for most of the rest of the fight. That was to stalk Martin, fight behind his jab and land more than enough accurate power shots to win rounds.

You can read a full report here.

***

Lightweight prospect Abdullah Mason (9-0, 8 KOs) of Cleveland knocked out Alex de Oliveira (20-5, 14 KOs) of Brazil at 2:18 of the second round of a scheduled six-rounder.

Mason outclassed his opponent from the opening bell, outboxing him in the first round and then putting him down and out in the second.

***

Heavyweight contender Makhmudov (18-0, 17 KOs) of Russia stopped Raphael Akpejori (15-2, 14 KOs) of Nigeria in the second round of a scheduled 10-round bout.

Makhmudov put Akpejori down twice in the first round and once in the second, prompting the referee to stop the fight

***

Rising young heavyweight contender Jared Anderson will face veteran Charles Martin on Saturday at Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio, Anderson’s hometown (ESPN, ESPN+).

The fighters weighed in on Friday. Anderson (14-0, 14 KOs) came in at 243.4 pounds, Martin (29-3-1, 26 KOs) at 250.5.

The featured bouts on the card begin at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. The main event will take place later in the show.

Boxing Junkie will post the results of the main event and other featured bouts immediately after they end. Simply return to this post and refresh when the time comes.

Full coverage – a fight story, photo gallery and analysis – will follow on separate posts the day of the fight and the following day.

Enjoy the fights!

[lawrence-related id=37955,37940,34691,27263]

Jared Anderson’s next step in rapid rise will also be homecoming

Jared Anderson’s next step in his rapid rise will also be a homecoming against Charles Martin on Saturday in Toledo, Ohio.

Jared Anderson already is a sensation in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio. The world could be next.

The 23-year-old heavyweight contender, who has stopped all 14 of his professional opponents, will face his toughest test so far when he takes on former titleholder Charles Martin on Saturday at Huntington Center in Toledo.

Anderson’s first main event will be televised on ESPN and ESPN+, which is a milestone. And this is the first time he’ll fight in his old stomping grounds.

“This is super special,” Anderson said Thursday at the final news conference before the event. “I’m super excited. I’m the talk of the town. It’s a new feeling. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to embrace it. I’m happy to be an inspiration for the kids.”

Anderson is being marketed by Top Rank as the next great heavyweight.

So far so good. He has employed a lethal combination of athleticism, ability and power to destroy everyone in his path, making him a potential star in the sport’s glamour division.

However, it’s a step-by-step process. And Martin might be his biggest step yet.

Anderson had been scheduled to fight unbeaten slugger Zhan Kossobutskiy of Khazakhstan but Kossobutskiy was pulled from the card less than two weeks ago because he couldn’t procure a visa.

Martin, who immediately agreed to step in, could be a more difficult opponent for Anderson.

The 37-year-old from St. Louis has had ups and downs. He briefly held the IBF belt in 2016 but was stopped by Anthony Joshua in his first defense and was knocked out by Luis Ortiz after he had put the Cuban down twice early last year.

So who knows what we’ll see from him on Saturday? One thing is obvious, though: He has a solid skill set and top-tier punching power, as well as more experience than Anderson.

Anderson said he’s not concerned about the adjustment to a new opponent on short notice. Both Kossobutskiy and Martin are left-handed, which will have helped him make the transition.

“I come prepared for anything and everything,” he said. “Luckily, he is still a southpaw. I think that was the biggest reason that we chose him after the change. He’s also a bigger name. He is a former world champion. He has fought a few world titleholders as well.

“… It didn’t throw a monkey wrench in the plan, but it definitely made us go back to the drawing board, look at the tapes, and come back with a plan.”

Meanwhile, Martin (29-3-1, 26 KOs) is embracing the opportunity to reclaim some of the status he lost.

He said he had been training when he got the call to fight Anderson. He last fought in September, when he rebounded from the loss to Ortiz by stopping Devin Vargas in four rounds in Los Angeles, where he’s based.

“I was happy when I got the call,” Martin said. “I had been putting in a lot of work, so I was happy that the hard work was finally paying off. I’ve dedicated myself fully. I leave no stones unturned. You can’t do that in this game.

“I’m up for the challenge. He’s a big, strong, young lion. And I’m here.”

All of Anderson’s opponents have showed up. They just haven’t lasted long.

[lawrence-related id=37940,34691]

Jared Anderson’s next step in rapid rise will also be homecoming

Jared Anderson’s next step in his rapid rise will also be a homecoming against Charles Martin on Saturday in Toledo, Ohio.

Jared Anderson already is a sensation in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio. The world could be next.

The 23-year-old heavyweight contender, who has stopped all 14 of his professional opponents, will face his toughest test so far when he takes on former titleholder Charles Martin on Saturday at Huntington Center in Toledo.

Anderson’s first main event will be televised on ESPN and ESPN+, which is a milestone. And this is the first time he’ll fight in his old stomping grounds.

“This is super special,” Anderson said Thursday at the final news conference before the event. “I’m super excited. I’m the talk of the town. It’s a new feeling. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to embrace it. I’m happy to be an inspiration for the kids.”

Anderson is being marketed by Top Rank as the next great heavyweight.

So far so good. He has employed a lethal combination of athleticism, ability and power to destroy everyone in his path, making him a potential star in the sport’s glamour division.

However, it’s a step-by-step process. And Martin might be his biggest step yet.

Anderson had been scheduled to fight unbeaten slugger Zhan Kossobutskiy of Khazakhstan but Kossobutskiy was pulled from the card less than two weeks ago because he couldn’t procure a visa.

Martin, who immediately agreed to step in, could be a more difficult opponent for Anderson.

The 37-year-old from St. Louis has had ups and downs. He briefly held the IBF belt in 2016 but was stopped by Anthony Joshua in his first defense and was knocked out by Luis Ortiz after he had put the Cuban down twice early last year.

So who knows what we’ll see from him on Saturday? One thing is obvious, though: He has a solid skill set and top-tier punching power, as well as more experience than Anderson.

Anderson said he’s not concerned about the adjustment to a new opponent on short notice. Both Kossobutskiy and Martin are left-handed, which will have helped him make the transition.

“I come prepared for anything and everything,” he said. “Luckily, he is still a southpaw. I think that was the biggest reason that we chose him after the change. He’s also a bigger name. He is a former world champion. He has fought a few world titleholders as well.

“… It didn’t throw a monkey wrench in the plan, but it definitely made us go back to the drawing board, look at the tapes, and come back with a plan.”

Meanwhile, Martin (29-3-1, 26 KOs) is embracing the opportunity to reclaim some of the status he lost.

He said he had been training when he got the call to fight Anderson. He last fought in September, when he rebounded from the loss to Ortiz by stopping Devin Vargas in four rounds in Los Angeles, where he’s based.

“I was happy when I got the call,” Martin said. “I had been putting in a lot of work, so I was happy that the hard work was finally paying off. I’ve dedicated myself fully. I leave no stones unturned. You can’t do that in this game.

“I’m up for the challenge. He’s a big, strong, young lion. And I’m here.”

All of Anderson’s opponents have showed up. They just haven’t lasted long.

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